HC Deb 22 February 1904 vol 130 cc566-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a disturbance near Doonbeg, county Clare, on the 11th. inst., in reference to some work on the West Clare Railway line; and, seeing that a force of police was present on the occasion, whether 'he can state the circumstances which gave rise to the disturbance, and in what way the police were employed in reference to the matter and by whose orders.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR IRELAND (Mr. WYNDHAM,) Dover

Owing to the flooding of the railway line near Doonbeg, which endangered the public safety, a number of workmen in the employment of the railway company were sent to cut a drain for the purpose of carrying away the water. The farmers objected to the surplus waters being conveyed to their lands adjoining the line, and showed their resentment by assembling with pitchforks, sticks, and stones. Acting under the orders of their superior officers a force of police was present to preserve the peace.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Are the railway company exercising a legal right in this work? What remedy have those who will be flooded in consequence of it?

MR. WYNDHAM

I can hardly be expected to express an opinion on the legal merits of the question. Those who are injured have a remedy at law.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

As this affair has caused some excitement and disturbance may I ask whether it is usual to supply a large force of police to enable work to be carried out before it has been decided whether those doing it have a legal right.

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order. That is a general argument.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

But were the authorities satisfied that in giving the assistance of the police they were enabling legal work to be carried on?

MR. WYNDHAM

I am quite satisfied that it was the duty of the Executive Government to send the police in view of the hostile attitude of the people. Whether the railway company have a legal right can be determined by process of law.

CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

By whom were the police sent?

MR. WYNDHAM

By their superior officer.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I shall call attention to this again.