HL Deb 11 June 1894 vol 25 cc786-7
*THE EARL OF MAYO

said, he wished to ask Her Majesty's Government why the light railway projected, and now in course of construction between Stranorlar and Glenties had not been completed? This railway was one of those inaugurated under the scheme of light railways started by the last Chief Secretary for Ireland. He was sure if he could make him understand how slowly this work had been carried out the noble Lord who had to answer the question would be as indignant as he was. He (the Earl of Mayo) knew the country very well, and could assert that for the past two years the work had been done in this way: groups of peasants were to be seen working here and there—nothing further. The railway from Donegal to Killibegs, which had been constructed under difficult circumstances—a bridge having to be built over the River Inver—was finished, and yet the Stranorlar Railway was dragging its weary length along. The stations were only made of tin—that was to say, of corrugated iron—and those who took an interest in Donegal were unable to find a reason why the railway had not been finished before this, and trusted that the Government would take care to compel the contractors to complete it.

THE EARL OF ROSEBERY

said, he was informed that the delay in the construction had been due in great part to the difficulties met with by the contractors in getting possession of the necessary land, in addition to the difficulty of construction. Though the progress made by the contractors had not been rapid, the engineers of the Board of Works had given constant attention to the matter, and the Board had not relaxed its efforts to expedite the construction of the line. It was hoped that the railway would be completed by the end of August or beginning of September.

THE EABL OF MAYO

said, the difficulty was at the Glenties end of the line. A Judge had made an order in Court giving a year's extension of time. That had long since elapsed, and still the railway seemed to drag its weary length along.

THE EARL OF ROSEBERY

Still, if the railway is completed by the end of August it will be satisfactory.

THE EARL OF MAYO

I hope it will be.