asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will now arrange to send an engineer to report on: (a) the condition of the channel to Dingle pier which has become badly silted up; (b) the possibility of the removal of part of the rocky ridge known as Black Point at the entrance to the harbour; (c) the necessity for providing a crane on the pier for use in installing marine engines, masts, etc., in fishing boats, and in discharging coasting vessels; and (d) generally, on the matter of foreshore reclamation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Dingle Harbour.
The Dingle Harbour Commissioners applied for a State grant to meet the entire cost of the works mentioned in the question. I have examined this application and have decided that the prospects of increased trade at Dingle Harbour would not justify expenditure on the scale proposed particularly as substantial expenditure on improvement works there by the State in 1930 did not result in a subsequent expansion of trade. In the circumstances no purpose would be served by sending engineers to inspect the works proposed.
There appears to be scope for the development of Dingle as a fishery harbour and the commissioners have been informed that the Minister for Agriculture as the fishery authority would be prepared to consider assisting with a scheme for improvement works directly related to such interests.