§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has
†The Return referred to was as follows—Return setting out (a) the number of Estates in the Irish Land Judge's Court; (b) the gross rental of such properties; (c) the number and names of the receivers in charge; (d) the date upon which the said Estates were placed under the Court; and (e) the number subject to sale under the fortieth section of the Act of 1896.892 received any communications recently from the Kerry County Council relative to the Tralee and Dingle railway; whether, considering the condition of this line, the responsibility which rests on the Government because of sanctioning the curves and gradients, and the amount of rates of the county, which renders it impossible to give help out of the rates, he will have inquiries made into this matter and so prevent loss of life.
§ MR. ATKINSONMy right hon. friend has received the communications referred to. With regard to the second part of the Question, the Report made by the engineer appointed by the Board of Works in 1884 stated that special and ample brake-power should be provided and always ready for use on the heavy inclines, and that with adequate traction for heavy loads on these inclines the proposed railway might be efficiently worked. The line when constructed was passed by the Board of Trade. The Board of Works adhere to the opinion that with the proper working required by their engineer, and proper maintenance, the gradients and curves approved by them could be efficiently worked. It does not rest with the Board to take action in this matter.
§ MR. THOMAS O'DONNELLDid not the engineers of the Board of Works disapprove the line?
§ MR. ATKINSONI must ask for notice of that Question.