§ DR. AMBROSE (Mayo, W.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a recent resolution of the Westport Board of Guardians, in which they ask for the construction of a light railway from Westport to Lanesborough so as to supply a much needed requirement, and give employment to the labourers who are in distress owing to the failure of the crops; and will he take into consideration the advisability of making this railway.
§ (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I have seen a copy of the resolution referred to in the Question. No information has reached me tending to show that relief works are needed in that district, and I fear that it would not be feasible to start railway works in this locality in time to give employment to labourers during the spring and summer. The merits of this project, which does not appear to have been brought before the Government on any former occasion, have not, so far as I know, been heretofore considered; but I believe that there are other districts in which the need of improved railway facilities is more urgently felt.