HC Deb 07 April 1910 vol 16 cc576-7
Mr. GINNELL

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a large tract of land, purchased under the Land Purchase Acts, at and adjoining Derrymore, on the borders of Westmeath and Meath, is submerged by water owing to the stopping of a culvert under the Royal Canal by the neglect of the Midland Great Western Railway Company; and, as this affects the security for the purchase annuities, whether he or the Land Commission will require the company to reopen the culvert and maintain the watercourse at its old level?

The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Redmond Barry)

I am informed that the Railway Company's drains alluded to by the hon. Member are in fact in good order and condition. The old disused culvert placed there originally for a temporary purpose, I am informed, in no way causes flooding, the drainage being effectively dealt with by means of a built culvert under the canal.

Mr. GINNELL

By whom was the right hon. Gentleman so informed, and is it not a fact that the land is submerged?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I have no doubt that the lands are subject to being submerged, but I have no knowledge of the cause of it.

Mr. GINNELL

Is it by the Railway Company that the right hon. Gentleman has been informed?

Mr. REDMOND BARRY

I have no knowledge of that.