asked the Minister for Finance whether he has had an application from the Kinsale Harbour Commissioners and Urban Council for a remission of the debt of £1,176 10s. 5d., the balance due on loan for the construction of Kinsale Pier, on the ground that the cost of construction exceeded by several thousand pounds the original amount estimated by the Board of Works, due chiefly to releasing the original contractor and his sureties from the obligations under their joint bond; and whether he is aware that the town ratepayers are called upon to pay an annual rate of one shilling and twopence in the pound in liquidation of the debt on this pier.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - KINSALE PUBLIC BODIES DEBT.
SEÁN PRIOMHDHAIL
The application referred to has been received, but I see no sufficient reason why the outstanding balance of the loan to the Kinsale Harbour Commissioners should be remitted. I am aware, however, that the financial position of the Harbour Commissioners makes it difficult for them to fulfil their obligations at present, and in order to afford some relief in respect of the loan I am prepared to accept payment by half-yearly instalments of, say, £75. This would reduce the instalments by more than one half, and would extend the period of repayment by approximately nine years. I am aware that the instalments for the past few years have been paid by the Urban Council, owing to the inability of the Harbour Commissioners to meet them, but my suggestion above will afford a considerable measure of relief.
Is the Minister aware that this is due to the fact that the old Local Government Board released the contractor from his bond and increased the estimate by £4,000?
I am not aware that the facts are as stated, but it seems that a number of circumstances contributed to increasing the cost of the original estimate. I will look into the matter further.