§ MR. J. F. X. O'BRIENI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, in consequence of the drainage of the River Robe remaining unfinished, the lands about Crossboyne are frequently flooded, to the great loss and injury of the poor farmers of the district; and that the Catholic chapel of the place is also flooded on those occasions; whether he has been furnished with high medical testimony as to the very injurious effects upon the health of the inhabitants from the state of things complained of; whether this unfinished Government work can be completed for the small sum of £1,000; and in view of the benefits which would be conferred by the completion of this work, will he state what he proposes to do about it?
MR. J. MORLEYI am informed that the lands in the locality referred to are occasionally flooded, as stated, and that the medical officers of health have reported that the drainage of the river would be an advantage to the health of the district. The Board of Works state they have no information as to the cost of the drainage work in question, and that no arterial drainage work can be carried out unless under the provisions of the Act of 1863, which requires a District Drainage Board to be formed. The Board of Works also state that the drainage of the River Robe cannot be described as "an unfinished Government work," inasmuch as this portion of the Lough Mask and River Robe drainage 1146 District was not considered necessary and was not undertaken.