§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, with reference to the flooding of the Dromore River, county Cavan, whether the Board of Works in Ireland, having rejected the drainage scheme prepared at their own cost by the inhabitants, can now state what scheme they are prepared to sanction; or, if not, what facilities will be given to the people to redress at their own cost the grievances of which they complain.
§ MR. McKENNAI am informed that the only way in which a new drainage district can be formed with power to a local drainage board to carry out and maintain works and recover the cost thereof from the persons benefited is under the Arterial Drainage Act of 1863. The Board of Works have no power to suggest schemes. It was one of the chief Purposes of the Act to transfer that duty to persons locally interested. It is open to the promoters to prepare a new scheme, but in view of the appointment of the 126 Vice-Regal Commission on Arterial Drainage it would appear to be desirable, in the interests of the promoters themselves, to await the issue of the Report of the Commissioners.
§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNGWill the Board of Works send an engineer to report on the scheme?
§ MR. McKENNAThe Board of Works have no power to spend money on such a purpose.