§ MR. J. P. FARRELLTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, in consequence of insufficient sinking, the River Riffey, which flows through the townlands of Clonwhelan and Cam, in county Longford, constantly floods these town lands in time of rain; whether he is aware that, on 11th September in last year, two men were drowned in consequence of the floods caused by this river; and will he direct the attention of the Board of Works to the immediate necessity of providing funds for the proper sinking and embanking of this river.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) I am informed that two men were drowned on the date mentioned in the flood on the public road near Clonwhelan. The town lands referred to are not comprised in a drainage district, and in the absence of a properly constituted drainage board the Board of Works have no power to advance money for the purposes of arterial drainage. I am making further inquiry, however, with a view to ascertain to what causes the floods complained of are due.