§ Mr. WILLIAM ABRAHAM (Dublin, Harbour)asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any public money was advanced to the Grand Canal Company, Dublin, by way of loan or otherwise, for the construction of certain graving docks at Ringsend; if he is aware that a lease of the largest of these docks has been granted to the Dublin United Tramways Company, who intend to convert it into a depot for coals; and whether, in view of the need of graving dock accommodation in Dublin, he can see his way to take any action in this matter?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed by the Board of Works that various Grants of public money were given for the construction of the Grand Canal, both under the Commissioners of Inland Navigation (1753 to 1772) and the Grand Canal Company (1772 to 1813), but so far as can be traced the only one that specifically referred to the Ringsend Docks was a Grant of £18,231 between 1772 and 1800 to secure their completion. The dock understood to be referred to is unsuited to modern requirements, and has not been used as a graving dock for forty or fifty years. The Board have no official information as to the letting of the dock. There is a graving dock at Ringsend in use and in working order on the territory of the Grand Canal Company.