HC Deb 24 May 1909 vol 5 cc826-7
Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND (for Mr. Duffy)

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether the Department is aware of the fact that Dr. Sheamus O'Beirne, of Tawin, Oran-more, county Galway, has been compelled, in the interests of the fishing industry at Tawin, to organise an Irish play, which is to be produced at Galway, Dublin, and other centres in the near future, in order to raise funds for the desirable purpose of erecting a pier at Tawin; and whether, seeing the local assistance provided in this way, as well as the proffered grant from the county council of Galway. the Department can now see their way to give some substantial assistance to enable the pier to be constructed

The VICE-PRESIDENT of the DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE (Mr. T. W. Russell)

As I stated in reply to the hon. Member's question of 29th March on this subject, the construction of a suitable pier at Tawin would be a very costly work, and the Department, in the present state of their funds, cannot undertake to cooperate unless a substantial portion of the cost be provided locally. The county council suggested five years ago that a pier costing£600 should be erected, towards which they offered a contribution of£200. The Department are advised that a work costing£600 would not be very satisfactory, as it would only afford shelter for hookers and fishing boats in fine weather. No offer of local assistance to a larger or more suitable work has been made.

Mr. W. REDMOND

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that locally a strong effort is being made to raise money for this purpose, and in view of the great necessity for this pier, will he reconsider the matter?

Mr. T. W. RUSSELL

When I spoke of local assistance, I meant assistance from the county council.