asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the whistle buoy which is at present placed on Bullman Rock, off Kinsale Harbour, is inadequate as a warning to shipping during thick weather; that an unwatched lighted buoy placed in addition on the rock would obviate the existing danger to navigation, and encourage boat owners to send their vessels to fish off the harbour; and whether, in view of these facts, and in the interest of shipping and the advancement of the fishing industry at Kinsale, he will take the necessary steps in the matter.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SAFEGUARDING OF SHIPPING (KINSALE).
I have received representations regarding the desirability of establishing an unwatched lighted buoy on Bullman Rock, off Kinsale Harbour, and have placed the matter before the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who have informed me that the proposed light could not be provided at the cost of the General Lighthouse Fund. The provision of lights required for local purposes is ordinarily a matter for the harbour authorities concerned, and there are no funds at my disposal out of which the cost of facilities of this nature could be met.
In view of the importance of this, and in view of the fact that shippers have informed the local authority that they will not continue to send their boats there unless some provision is made for the safety of navigation, that the local harbour commissioners are prepared to pay a reasonable share of the costs, and in view of the danger to boats as a result of an unwatched lighted buoy not being available, would the Parliamentary Secretary not find it possible to reconsider it and to provide portion of the costs out of some fund, seeing that this is essential to navigation in that area?
This matter was under consideration on representations already made by Deputy Sheehy, and there was correspondence with the Harbour Commissioners. On the 7th May we wrote to the Deputy pointing out that the Irish Lights Commissioners were unable to provide this out of their own funds, but that they would provide it if the Harbour Commissioners were prepared to enter into agreement to accept liability for the expenditure incurred in connection with the establishment and maintenance of the buoy. The position is the same to-day.