§ MR. JAMES O'CONNOR (Wicklow, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the Terenure (Dublin) to Blessington steam tram line has been working at a loss to the county Wicklow guaranteeing baronies of over £9,000, from the year 1887 to the 30th of June, 1901, equal to £600 a year; and also that the Blessington to Poulaphouca line, an independent and unguaranteed enterprise, is worked partly at the expense of the Terenure and
†See (4) Debates., cxxix, 1308.10 Blessington system; and whether he will order an official inquiry into this matter.(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The payment of dividends on the guaranteed capital of the Dublin and Blessington Steam Tramway and the payment of any deficit in working expenses on the line are guaranteed by the counties Dublin and Wicklow. The net payment by each county in the period covered by the Question was £4,596 7s. 11d. There were Treasury contributions amounting to £3,830 1s. 2d. in respect to each county during the same period. The extension to Poulaphouca is worked by the Dublin and Blessington Tramway at a lower rate and is allowed exceptional terms in the way of rebate on traffic. I am not aware that there are any reasons for an inquiry as suggested.