§ MR. TUITE (Westmeath, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether in the Shannon Drainage Scheme contemplated by the Government it is intended to include the widening and deepening of the Lower Inny (one of the principal tributaries of the Shannon) between Ballinalack and the point where it enters the Shannon below Ballymahon; and, whether representations have reached him that, since the execution of certain drainage works on the Upper Inny some 15 years ago, at a cost of £58,000, the suggested works on the Lower Inny have become absolutely necessary, in consequence of the vast quantity of water discharged into Lough Iron from the Upper Inny, which the Lower Inny, owing to the existing shallows and other impediments, is unable to carry off, whereby the surrounding districts are flooded for miles in the winter and spring months?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR,) Manchester, E.No works on the Lower Inny are included in the estimate for the Shannon works. I am unable to say whether at some future time the improvement of this tributary may be undertaken; but before it can be dealt with it is advisable that the improvement of the Shannon itself should be carried out.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURI do not think there is any necessity for the inspection of the river.