§ MR. LONSDALETo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of 691 Ireland if he will state what progress has been made with the marine works at Wicklow and Arklow, county Wicklow, and at Portavogie, county Down, for which grants were made by the late Government; and when it is expected these works will be completed.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The marine works at Wicklow are in the hands of the Wicklow Harbour Board. The Government have already paid to the Harbour Board sums amounting to over £18,000 out of the total grant of £22,000. I am informed by the Board that the foreshore protection works are practically finished, and that a considerable part of the new main breakwater has been built. It is expected that the works will be completed in about six months. The works at Arklow are being carried out by the Department of Agriculture. A great part of the dredging of the river has been done; the new road giving access to the pier of the south side of the proposed basin has been completed; and some progress has been made with the construction of basin walls. The works at Portavogie were commenced by the Board of Works about two months ago, and will, it is expected, be completed by the autumn of next year. The work at present in hand consists of the excavation of rock in clearing the sites for the permanent concrete quay and pier, and the collection of materials for the concrete.