§ MR. KILBRIDE (Galway, N.)On behalf of the honourable Member for South Roscommon, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst occupiers of land in the River Suck drainage district, in consequence of the assessments levied on them for the drainage of that river; that a large number of them complain that the levy is greatly in excess 408 of the improvement effected; and that improvement was understood to be the sole basis of the tax on occupiers; whether he is aware that the grievance found expression in public meetings of those concerned, and that payments were made only in many instances after legal proceedings had been taken; and whether he would be prepared to have any individual case reconsidered with a view to a fresh assessment being made in such cases?
§ MR. HANBURYThe Board of Works before making the final award held meetings, as prescribed by Statute, to hear objections by tenants to the value attributed to the improvements effected on their holdings by the drainage works. Evidence was given by the parties interested, and fully considered, before the increase of value resulting from the improvements (on which alone the charge is imposed) was determined. It is a fact that proceedings had to be taken in some cases for the recovery of instalments when payment had been refused; but I cannot regard that fact as demonstrating any injustice in the terms of award. The award is final; and there is no power, even if there were any justification, for making a fresh assessment.