§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELL (Kerry, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Harbour Board of Dingle, county Kerry, have sent memorials asking for grants for the extension of the pier or the further dredging of the harbour; and whether, seeing that Dingle is one of the best fishing ports in the whole of Ireland, and that the present pier was built without any Government contribution, and the harbour authorities have gone into debt in trying to make the harbour suitable for fishing, and in view of the congested nature of the surrounding country and the dependence of the people on fishing, some assistance will be given to enable them to carry on this industry.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) I am informed that the Dingle Board addressed to my predecessor a memorial asking for a grant of £5,000 for the purpose of extending the pier by 160 feet. The Board of Works, however, reported that the proposed extension would not effect the desired end; it would not reach out to low-water mark, and the chief advantage to be gained would be merely increased quay accommodation. The hon. Member is under a misapprehension in supposing 1130 that the existing pier was built without Government contribution. More than half of the cost was provided from State funds. The Congested Districts Board contributed £500 last year towards the cost of dredging the harbour. They have been obliged, owing to the state of their funds, to refuse a contribution this year.