§ MR. THOMAS B. CURRAN (Donegal, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if 24th March, 1898, was the last day for receiv- 961 ing tenders for the construction of the Buncrana and Carndonagh Railway; how many tenders were received; why the contractor has not as yet been declared; and, considering the distress in the district through which the railway is to be constructed, will he see that steps are taken to have the contractor declared at once, so that the work may be begun?
§ MR. HANBURYThe 24th March, 1898, was the last day for receiving tenders. Four tenders were received; but they were all so much in excess of the amount set aside for this Railway out of the funds made available by the Railway Act, 1896, that they could not be accepted. It is hoped that more satisfactory tenders may be obtainable by fresh advertisements or otherwise. The work will be commenced as soon as a contract can be made for a reasonable sum.