HC Deb 04 February 1897 vol 45 c1284
DR. ROBERT AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called, by resolution of the Westport Board of Guardians, to the distress at present existing in the Louisburgh Division of the Westport Union, and to the need for establishing some remunerative relief works; and whether he would favourably consider the request of the Westport Board of Guardians, viz., to establish a line of railway between Westport and Louisburgh, which would have the effect of relieving the several congested districts between those two points, and of developing the fishing industry to the west of Louisburgh?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. The condition and prospects of the poorer classes in this district have received and will continue to receive, the very careful attention of the Poor Law Authorities, but it is not anticipated that it will become necessary to supplement the resources of the poor law by the establishment of relief works. With regard to the suggested construction of a railway between Westport and Louisburgh, I cannot hold out any hope that the line will be included in the allocation of the Grant provided by the Act of last year.

MR. DANE

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman had received a report in reference to this district?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

I am continually receiving reports from all those districts.