§ MR. JASPER TULLY (Leitrim, S.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether the attention of the Board of Works has been directed to the flooding of Lough Key whereby nearly 800 acres of land are rendered almost useless to the adjoining farmers; whether he is aware that these floods are caused by the raising of the lock at Knockvicar at the outlet of Lough Key into the Shannon, and the failure to provide a regulating sluice gate; and, whether he will direct the Board of Works to have steps taken to alter the nature of the lock at Knock-vicar so as to prevent the periodical flooding of the lands of the adjoining farmers?
§ * THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) PrestonThe Board of Works inform me that there can be no flooding by the mere keeping up of the water to the navigation level. Since the 26th July 1894, when the hon. Member asked a similar Question, the water in Lough Key has never risen to a higher level than, six inches above that of the navigation level maintained for 40 years prior to that date, and no regulating sluice at Knock-vicar would obviate the liability to this or even a greater rise during winter floods. No improvement that could be effected there would justify the expense involved in the construction and maintenance of sluices and consequential works. The lock at Knockvicar has never been raised, and a regulating sluice is, for the reasons given above, not considered necessary. No alteration to the lock or weir at Knockvicar would insure the water in Lough Key being kept down to navigation level during winter floods