§ MR. DELAHUNTYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, Whether the Irish Government has approved of a scheme, to be paid for by taxation imposed on the ratepayers of the counties of Waterford and Tipperary, for the erection of a stone bridge across the River Suir, below the town of Carrick on Suir, in lieu of that now existing above the town; whether any provision is to be made in the now bridge by means of a swivel span, or otherwise, to admit sea-going vessels to come to the quays as at present, and whether the erection of the bridge without such swivel opening Would result in shutting out such vessels from the town; whether any memorial against same has been received by the Irish Government from the town commissioners or inhabitants of the town, and whether there was any answer given thereto, and to what effect; and, whether, in the event of the Irish Government being without power to prevent this injury being inflicted on the trade of the town, the Admiralty, Treasury, or Board of Trade, can intervene to do so?
§ MR. J. LOWTHERI understand that the facts to which the hon. Gentleman refers are as stated in his Question, and I believe that the effect of them would be to prevent vessels reaching any portion of the river above the bridge. The decision upon the subject was arrived at after a reference to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, to which body it was referred under the provisions of an Act of Parliament, and the assent of the Lord Lieutenant was formally given; and I am not aware that the Irish Government, or any other Department of Her Majesty's Government, has any power to override the decision thus arrived at.
§ MR. DELAHUNTYAs I understand, from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, that under the proposed scheme access to the town by large vessels would be prevented, I beg to give Notice that I shall on an early day call attention to the subject, and move a Resolution.