§ MR. CLANCY (Dublin County, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the attention of the Board of Works (Ireland) has been called to the condition of the royal harbour of Howth, county of Dublin, which is rapidly becoming filled with sand; whether the Board is bound to maintain this harbour in a state of efficiency, and whether it has a dredger immediately available and suitable for use at Howth; and, if so, whether immediate steps will be taken to prevent the harbour from becoming useless for fishing and other boats.
§ MR. RUNCIMANIt is the case, I understand, that large quantities of sand are deposited in Howth Harbour by the action of the tides; but the Board of Works inform me that by regular dredging they maintain it in a suitable condition for the fishing boats and other 1176 vessels which use it. During the year 1906–7 the Board's dredger raised 8,600 tons of spoil.
§ MR. CLANCYDoes the hon. Gentleman consider the harbour in a proper state now.?
§ MR. RUNCIMANI cannot say, but I will inquire.
§ MR. CLANCYThat is the very Question I had on the Paper.