asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, at a recent meeting of the Fenit Harbour Commissioners, a deputation representing Fenit dockers attended and stated that they were in a very serious condition because, although unemployed, they were not receiving unemployment assistance (because of the Second Employment Period Order), and had been refused home assistance; and that they requested that repair work on the viaduct should be undertaken; and, if so, if, in view of the position of the dockers and the grave anxiety of the local people, he will consider recommending an increased grant from the Employment Emergency Scheme Vote to enable repair work to be undertaken immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fenit Viaduct.
Representations were received from the Tralee and Fenit Harbour Board towards the end of 1943 for a State contribution towards the cost of the repair of the Fenit Viaduct, estimated at £5,000. They were told in March, 1944, that if the harbour authority should raise the balance, a free grant of £2,000 would be provided from the Employment and Emergency Schemes Vote. This was followed by a request from the board that the State should meet the full cost of the work. This proposal could not be entertained.
I am now advised that the structure of the viaduct has deteriorated to such an extent that any scheme of repairs involving the retention of the existing piles would be impracticable. If a scheme of repairs based on an estimate of £5,000 were started, the actual cost might well run into twice that amount and the resulting works would extend the useful life of the structure by a period of five to seven years at most. In these circumstances, I am unable to recommend that any State contribution should be made to the cost of repairing the viaduct at this stage. I have received proposals from the board for the construction of a new viaduct. These proposals are under examination. The board have not yet made any submission on the question of the method of financing the new work.