108 New Harbour in Contemplation. 



proceed slowly towards completion. A want 

 of water over the bar, at the entrance of Dublin 

 Bay, presents a formidable obstacle to its be- 

 coming a port of great trade ; it is not safe for 

 any ships of considerable draft of water to 

 attempt passing over the bar, even on the high- 

 est of the spring tides. 



As a remedy for that which is so decidedly 

 an impediment to the mercantile greatness of 

 the city, an attempt has been made to create a 

 harbour on the north side of the hill of Howth. 

 The intention is to unite the main land with a 

 rock at some distance from the shore j when 

 this shall be accomplished, it is said there will 

 be sufficient depth of water, shelter, and other 

 accommodations at all times, for the largest 

 description of trading vessels. The packets, 

 during the summer months, have been removed 

 to Howth, by which arrangement four hours are 

 saved in the passage. Should this project, as it 

 is probable, be crowned with success, the trade 

 will undergo very material changes ; and as all 

 cannot be benefited in such extensive alter- 

 ations, it is reasonable to expect that many will 

 oppose them. On the commencement of the 

 new harbour, the attempt was represented as 

 chimerical, and a useless expenditure of money; 

 but the progress it has already made affords 



