asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the very great inconvenience caused to the fishermen of Ballycotton during the recent herring fishing season by lack of proper sheltering facilities when several boats had to leave the port and seek shelter at Crosshaven, 15 miles distant, and if he will take steps to see that such facilities will be provided, especially a ladder on the pier, as at present the only means of getting on and off the boats is by climbing a rope which is 16 feet long at low water.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sheltering Facilities for Fishermen.
As regards the improvement of the harbour accommodation generally at Ballycotton, my Department notified the county council in October, 1952 that a state grant of 50 per cent. of the cost of a boring and sounding survey would be made available if the council would seek competitive tenders for the work and meet the balance of the cost. It is understood that the council have not yet made arrangements for the survey. The question of the provision of a ladder is one which should be attended to by the county council who are responsible for the maintenance of the harbour.