asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that great hardships, danger and financial loss are experienced by the fishermen from the islands of Gola, Innishmeane and Innisherrer, owing to the fact that there is no suitable landing place on the mainland available for them nearer than Kincasslagh or Burtonport; and whether he will make the necessary arrangements to have a suitable pier or landing place constructed at Magheragallon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Facilities in Donegal.
My attention has already been drawn by Deputy Law and others to the request for additional landing accommodation at Magheragallon. I am not aware of any hardship on the island fishermen due to lack of landing facilities in that district. There are three landing places on the mainland convenient to these islands, none of them being more than two miles distant. There is a good pier at Magheragallon, and I cannot recommend any expenditure from State sources on building another landing place there.
Would the Minister say if his reply is intended as a sort of propaganda statement to bolster up the Cumann na nGaedheal Party in Donegal? Is the Minister aware that, as far as Magheragallon pier is concerned, it is absolutely blocked up with sand, with the result that the fishermen cannot land at low tide? Is he aware that as far as Carrick pier is concerned, there are very few fish landed there, owing to the fact that there is no road to the pier? Furthermore, is he aware that when the fishermen try to land when the tide goes out the boats become stranded, with the result that the fishermen find it necessary to go five or six miles further on? Is he further aware that the old Congested Districts Board had a place marked out to build a pier at Magheragallon, and that the pier would have been built had the old Congested Districts Board not been dissolved?
Yes.
It may seem a laughing matter to the Minister, but in view of his unsatisfactory reply I intend to raise the matter on the adjournment.
Will the Minister tell the House whether Deputy Law's position in his constituency is so shaky that he has to organise activities on his behalf in this House?
I understand that it is much more secure than the Deputy's position in County Dublin.
The Minister is merely stating the fact that I did bring the particular matter to his notice.