1905-1906.]
COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS, IRELAND.
7 A new plantation^ consisting principally of birch trees, has been formed on the site of the disused gravel pit near Chapelizod.
A small shrubbery near the main entrance of the Park has been cleared away and replanted.
In connection with this improvement Lord Ardilaun has generously pre¬ sented the Board with 50 large evergreen oaks for the purpose of planting a thick hedge, which will ultimately shut out from the main road of the Park a view of certain objectionable features outside the Park boundary.
To meet increased traffic through the Park Gardens the main walk has been widened throughout.
Improved sanitary accommodation for men has been provided in the Gardens.
The number of applications received during the season for grounds for Association football, Gaelic football, and hurling were respectively as follows :—
Asssociation foothall ...
...
...
...
..
...
...
2,664 Gaelic football ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
51 Hurling ...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
115
St.
Steps en's Green Park.
A suggestion has been made that, as the equestrians' track round the Park is now little used, and owing to the great increase in the number of visitors, even the small use made of it is a source of some danger, especially to children, the time has come when it should be broken up and the area utilised for widening footpaths, shrubberies, and lawns.
As the abolition of the ride would involve a considerable change from the design of the Park, as handed over by Lord Ardilaun, and a large outlay, we defer making any proposal, and take the opportunity afforded by the publication of this Report to invite the views of the general public, who are mainly concerned.
For reasons of safety, as Your Lordships are aware, the riding of bicycles in the Park is already strictly prohibited.
PURCHASE OF THE LONGMEADOWS PkOPEETY.
The Commissioners of Woods and Forests have completed the purchase from Lord Iveagh of an additional strip of land situated on the north bank of the River liffey known as The Longmeadows.
It will shortly be leased to the Board, and will form with the Inchicore North Estate referred to in the Report of last year, a continuous tract of land on both sides of the river, extending from Island Bridge to Chapelizod.
which has been acquired to.preserve
the amenities of the Phoenix Park.
Sea Fisheries (Ireland) Act, 1883.
46 & 47 Vic, c.
26.
The works at Ardmore, Co.
Waterford, have been completed during the year, and will shortly be handed over to the County Council.
The construction of a breakwater, with other works, has been commenced at Passage East, Co.
Waterford.
The expenditure during the year has been as follows;—
(1.)
Works at Ardmore, .......
£1,870 8 2
„ Passage East, .....
178 1?
10 2,049 6 0 (2.)
Engineering Staff employed on the Sea Fisheries Act
Service, • 362 19 6
Total, ....
J2,-il2 5 6
Position of the Sea Fisheries Fum.
£250,000 was provided by this Act from the Irish Church Fund for building and improving Fishery Piers and Harbours,
