§ MR. HAYDENOn behalf of the hon. Member for North Roscommon, Mr. J. O'KELLY, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether the Board of Works have yet commenced the promised drainage works on the River Shannon, near Battle Bridge; if not, what is the cause of the delay, and when it is likely the project will be proceeded with?
§ MR. HANBURYThe works have not yet been commenced, but all possible preparations are being made to start at an early date. The Board of Works have only recently been able to acquire the necessary land and water rights, and on the completion of the vendor's title they will be able to proceed. The difficulty of acquiring these rights at a fair price, the Board having no compulsory powers, is the reason why works were not started before this, but this difficulty has now been overcome.