§ Mr. JAMES O'KELLYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention had been called to the fact that Mount Dillon River, in the county Roscommon, Curraghroe district, is unable to carry off the surface water in the autumn and winter, with the result that for several months in the year the low-lying lands of Killavackan, Culleenora, Tullyvarran, Curraghroe, Mount Dillon, Granaghan, Monagh, Drinagh, etc., are under water; whether he is aware that as a consequence the tenants who have bought their holdings complain that, owing to the damage sustained, they will be unable to pay their instalments; and whether, under the circumstances, a competent engineer will be sent to the district to report upon its present condition and to recommend a remedy?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am informed that the lands referred to are often flooded in wet seasons, but that the water does not usually remain for long. The lands would no doubt be improved by drainage, but there is no reason to suppose that their condition is worse now than it has always been. As I have explained to the hon. Member, in reply to a question asked by him on 26th May last, it does not seem possible to undertake a drainage scheme for the locality at present. No useful purpose, therefore, would be served by sending an engineer to report.