HC Deb 25 June 1880 vol 253 c838
MR. O'SULLIVAN

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, If a joint application for a loan was received (by the Board of Public Works in Ireland) from the Earl of Sandwich and the Earl of Buckinghamshire, for the purpose of sinking the Morning Star River between Bruff and Athlaca, in the county of Limerick, which river overflows its banks every wet season, and destroys thousands of pounds' worth of hay on the property of those noblemen; and, if so, why the loan was not granted, the people being so badly in want of employment in that district?

MR. W. E. FORSTER

I find, Sir, that application was made by the Earl of Buckinghamshire and two other gentlemen for the purpose mentioned, and that the Board of Works were asked in the month of February last to give £2,120 for the purpose of draining the river alluded to. The loan was granted, and a first instalment of £320 issued; but in consequence of a delay in obtaining a power of attorney for the local agent, it was kept back until the 25th of May. On the 5th of the present month an application was made for the second instalment, but no reply has yet been officially given.