§ MR. O'SHEE (Waterford, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received copies of Resolutions passed by the Waterford County Council, the Dungarvan Urban Council, and the Dungarvan Rural Council, with reference to the construction of a causeway from Dungarvan across the narrow and shallow channel which separates it from the promontory called the Cunnigar; whether he is aware that by the construction of this causeway, about one-fourth of a mile in length, over 8,000 acres of rich slob lands, usually covered with water from one to two feet in depth, can be reclaimed for the public benefit; whether he will refer to the memorial laid before the Secretary of State for India, when Chief Secretary for Ireland, on this subject; and whether he will take an early opportunity of visiting the district, and meanwhile obtain a report as to the feasibility of this work, which would greatly benefit the fisheries of the poorest district on the South coast of Ireland, namely Ballinagoul.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have received the Resolutions referred to, and have called for reports on the subject, though I am afraid that funds are not at present available for any works of the kind. I have seen the memorial which was presented in 1894 to the then Chief Secretary. Should I at any time find myself in the neighbourhood of Dungarvan, I will endeavour to make an opportunity of visiting the Cunnigar.