§ 16. Mr. FITZPATRICKasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the loss and damage caused to live stock and growing crops by the periodical flooding of the River Barrow, he will introduce a Bill for the drainage of that river on similar lines as the Bill introduced by the late Chief Secretary for Ireland?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)As I informed the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County on the 30th November, 1916, the provision of a remedy against natural forces, such as those which cause periodical flooding in a country like that traversed by the River Barrow, is a work of such magnitude as prevents its being undertaken in time of war.
§ 18. Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, owing to the stoppage of the drainage works on the Owenmore river, county Sligo, hundreds of tons of valuable crops, as well as the peat fields on which the people of Ballymote and its vicinity have had to depend for fuel, have been destroyed; and, if so, can he say what steps, if any, the Government propose to take in the matter of resuming drainage operations so as to prevent the recurrence of similar losses?
§ Mr. DUKEI have not received information of the flooding mentioned by Member. New drainage operations, which have been under considera- tion, involve a large capital outlay which could not be provided at this time.
§ Mr. O'DOWDWhen will the drainage operations be resufned?