§ MR. FFRENCHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Wexford County Council passed a resolution in favour of giving more extensive powers to county councils in the expenditure of money on marine works; and if the Government are prepared to act in the direction indicated by the resolution.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) My hon. friend the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture intends to introduce to-morrow the Navigation Works (Ireland) Bill, which will confer upon county councils extended powers as to expenditure upon marine works.
§ MR. FFRENCHTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Wexford County Council are willing to expend a reasonable sum of money for the improvement of Ballyhack Harbour, so as to render it safe for the fishermen's boats; whether this harbour is under the control of the Waterford Harbour Commissioners, who will not carry out the necessary work or facilitate the Wexford County Council to do so; and whether he can say in what way the Ballyhack fishermen can obtain redress.
(Answered by Mr. Birrell.) Ballyhack Harbour is the property of, and under the control of, the Waterford Harbour Commissioners, by which body it was built at a cost of £2,667 in 1882. I have no information as to whether or not the Commissioners are willing to carry out the works required at Ballyhack which, I understand, consist mainly in dredging the mud by which the harbour is partially 1086 choked. I am not aware of any legal means by which the Commissioners could be compelled to join in the execution of works for the improvement of the harbour. It does not appear whether the fishermen have approached the Commissioners in the matter; if not, that would appear to be a proper course.