§ SIR THOMAS ESMONDE (Wexford, N.)To ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if his attention has been called to the present condition of Courtown Harbour; if the Department is aware of the state of that harbour, and of the nature of the improvements required there; and if he proposes to take any action in the matter.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) The attention of the Department has been called to the present condition of Courtown Harbour. The maintenance of the harbour is vested in the county council. The Department assisted the county council on previous occasions in clearing away the bar which from time to time forms across the harbour mouth. 988 Owing to the nature of the case all suck assistance must be only of temporary utility. The Department cannot at present render immediate assistance at Courtown, as the steam crane which was formerly used there is engaged elsewhere, but they will communicate with the county council and see if any relief of the situation can be arranged for.