§ MR. J. DEVLINTo ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been drawn to the danger and difficulty experienced by the people of Rathlin Island in conveying passengers, live-stock, and goods to and from the mainland, and to the comparatively high cost of transportation, owing to the class of boats employed; and whether he will consider the practicability of such transport accommodation as will enable the islanders to enjoy a safe, cheap, and regular means of communication with the mainland.
(Answered by Mr. T. W. Russell.) I am aware that the difficulties of transit to Rathlin Island are considerable. A better landing-place might be constructed at Rathlin at a comparatively reasonable expenditure, but the cost of providing a corresponding landing-place at Ballycastle on the mainland would probably run to £5,000 or more. A representative of the Department has visited the district in company with the piers committee of the county council, and it was decided, considering the difficulty mentioned, that present effort should be concentrated on Port Ballintoy, another harbour on the mainland opposite Rathlin which needs improvement. The cost of the minimum improvement at Rathlin would be £1,000, and the Department are prepared to consider such improvement if the county council will contribute to the cost. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the Bill now before Parliament will enable the council to increase their contribution.