MARQUESS OF HAMILTON (Londonderry)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the want of harbour accommodation in Downings Bay, county Donegal, where on 5th December, 1906, thirteen fishing boats were driven from their 200 anchorage and wrecked, His Majesty's Government contemplate constructing a shelter pier; and, if so, whether they propose to begin the work before next winter.
§ (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) A sum of £4,500 has already been expended under the Marine Works Act upon the extension of the existing pier at Downings Bay. My predecessor considered the question of constructing a harbour of refuge at this place, but was advised that the probable expenditure would be so great as to render the work practically prohibitive. Further inquiries are being made as to whether some such work could not be undertaken at a reasonable cost.