§ MR. J. P. FARRELLI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that owing to want of sinking and embanking of the tributary rivers to the Corglais, Doogra. and Gortemore lakes, lying between Longford and Leitrim, tracts of cultivated land in North Longford are annually flooded to the loss of the farmers of the district; whether he is aware that an outlay of about —50 would so widen and deepen these tributaries as to enable the freshets to be carried off before floods could form; and, if so, will he direct the Commissioner of Public Works in Ireland to hold an inquiry on this subject with a view either to the formation of a local drainage board to carry out a drainage scheme or such direct supervision as will, during the dry weather, make such alterations as will prevent flooding in the winter.
§ Mr. WYNDHAMThe tributary rivers referred to are situated in an existing drainage district. The Commissioners can only require the drainage trustees to maintain the works for which they are responsible, and the trustees are not empowered to expend money on new works. I am unable to say that an outlay of —50 would provide a remedy for the floods complained of, but I am making further inquiry into the matter.
§ Mr. J.P. FARRELLI gather from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that the attention of the Commissioners will be directed to this particular grievance.
§ Mr. WYNDHAMYes, I am inquiring into the matter.