§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of boats and men employed in the fishing industry along the West Kerry coast, from Brandon to Dingle which industry is the main if not the only industry along this entire district; whether he is aware that the coast is a dangerous one, rendering the landing of fish difficult; and whether, seeing that repeated applications have been made by the fishermen for better piers, an inspector will be immediately sent down to report on the piers, the boats, and fishing gear, protection from steam trawlers, methods of curing, etc., with a view to more thoroughly develop and protect this industry.
(Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am informed that the number of vessels and men employed in the fishing industry in the district referred to are about 340 and 1,100 respectively. Apart from such agriculture as can be carried on in a rough and mountainous region, fishing is the main industry in that district. The coast is admittedly a dangerous one, but the facilities for landing have been improved by the construction of piers and slips. The district is partly within and partly without the congested districts. The Congested Districts Board have improved Brandon Pier and placed a light there, built a pier and made an approach road at Brandon Creek, made a landing at Smerwick Harbour, and built a pier at Dunquin, the total cost of these works being over £2,600. 592 The Board have also offered £400 towards the cost of dredging Dingle Harbour. A slip at Minard has also been made at the joint expense of the Department of Agriculture and the county. It is not considered necessary to send an inspector to report upon the matters referred to in the concluding part of the Question, as to which the Department and the Congested Districts Board have full information. If any specific application in reference to these matters should be made to either body, it will receive careful attention. The enforcement of the bylaws relating to trawling along this coast, is carried out as part of the general scheme for the protection of Irish fisheries. I am informed that there is no part of Ireland where the curing of mackerel is better understood.