asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received a copy of a statement regarding the Kinsale Pier Debt, and whether in view of (a) the local feeling to resist the levy of any more rates towards liquidating the Pier Debt; (b) the loss of nearly £2,500 admitted to be caused by the failure of the original contractor for the work; (c) the loss caused by the delay in completing the works and the excessive amount paid in compensation for land acquired, both estimated at an additional thousand pounds; (d) the fact that the Local Boards have already contributed £19,056 to pay off a debt of £10,352, and (e) the fact that any payment for the Pier Loan will fall on the town ratepayers, owing to the small harbour revenue, he will see his way to grant some relief to the Kinsale ratepayers by wiping out at least a substantial portion of the present debt of £1,176.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - KINSALE PIER DEBT.
SEAN PRIOMHDHAIL
All the facts of this case have been brought to the notice of the Minister for Finance, including the loss occasioned by the failure of the contractor. The amount paid for compensation was ascertained as required by law, and there is no reason to suppose that it was excessive. The British Treasury in 1897 afforded relief to the Harbour Commissioners by extending the period for repayment and reducing the outstanding balance of the loan by £1,000. The Minister for Finance has offered, as a further concession, to allow the Commissioners to discharge the outstanding balance of £1,176, plus interest, by half-yearly instalments of £75. This offer was conveyed to the Commissioners in March last, but they have not signified their acceptance. The facts of the case do not justify any further concession.