HC Deb 29 January 1913 vol 47 cc1341-2W
Mr. CLANCY

asked the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to his recent statement that a considerable amount of dredging work had been carried out in Howth Harbour, county of Dublin, last year, and that the harbour was in consequence in a better condition than it has been for years, whether he has since been informed that the dredging work referred to has effected no appreciable improvement in the harbour from the point of view of the fishing industry in consequence of its having been carried out only on the side of the harbour where yachts, and not fishing boats, lie; whether this statement is true; whether on the other side, where many fising boats and colliers congregate, the greatest difficulties are encountered in carrying on business in consequence of the want of dredging; and, in view of the fact that the coming fishing season will commence about the middle of May and that it is much more in the interest of the public that proper berthage should be provided for fishing boats and colliers than for yachts, he will urge on the Board of Public Works to commence dredging operations at once along the West Pier?

Mr. MASTERMAN

I have received a communication with regard to Howth Harbour. I understand that the dredging last year was carried out at the East Pier in the hopes that it would be possible for fishermen to use that pier instead of the West Pier only as at present. Dredging will be done this year by the West Pier, probably next month.