§ Mr. LYNCHasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether the principal operations of the Board of Works in improving Liscannor Harbour consisted in making two holes in the rock bottom with a patent apparatus whose breakage terminated the whole proceedings; and whether, now that the natural operation of the sea has filled these holes with silt, he could state that Liscannor Harbour had resumed its normal condition and that the notice calling attention to its want of safety may be removed; 2837 (2), whether he was aware that, on account of the condition in which Liscannor Harbour had been left by the Board of Works, over 200 workmen had been thrown out of employment with no prospect of resumption; and whether, instead of providing relief works, as had been occasionally done in other parts, he would consider the advisability of completing the work left unfinished of rendering the harbour serviceable, especially in view of the fact that such work would be of the reproductive character recommended to the Congested Districts Board in the distribution of the Development Grant; (3), whether, in view of the importance of Liscannor Harbour, the neighbouring district, and the necessity of encouraging industry in West Clare, he would consider it advisable to obtain the report of a competent engineer as to the best means of securing the safety of the harbour at a moderate cost of about £5,000; and whether he would expedite this matter so that a promising industry which gave employment to hundreds may not be ruined; (4), whether, previous to the operations of the Board of Works in improving Liscannor Harbour, they had displayed any notice that the harbour was unsafe; whether it was after the termination of their operations of improvement that the notice was posted; and whether he could state the total sum expended by the Board of Works in their operations in Liscannor Harbour?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe principal operations of the Board of Works under the Marine Works Act in improving Liscannor Harbour consisted in the construction of two new berths, the extension of the North Pier, the provision of a large storage area, and the deepening of the harbour. The latter work consisted in the removal of over 7,000 tons of silt and a considerable quantity of rock. Under certain conditions of wind and weather the harbour is not safe, and cannot be made safe except at the expenditure of a very large sum of money. It is desirable to retain the notice to prevent any excuse for claims for damage. If the workmen are, as stated, out of employment, it is not in consequence of the condition of the harbour, which is as safe now as it has ever been, and is as safe as it can be made unless an expenditure of between £25,000 and £30,000 is incurred. There does not appear to be any necessity for obtaining a further report upon this harbour, even if there were money available for its improvement. Previous to the operations of the Board of Works the harbour was in 2838 charge of the county council. The notice was posted after the operations. The sum of £8,531 has been expended by the Board of Works on this Harbour under the Marine Works Act.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask if it is the intention of the Government not to spend any more money on the Harbour?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHPerhaps the hon. Member will give notice of that question.
§ Mr. LYNCHI give notice I will call the attention of the House to this matter at the earliest opportunity.