§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the work of draining the Owenmore River, in the county Sligo, has been undertaken by the Congested Districts Board; and, if so, can he state the terms or conditions under which the scheme is to be carried out and when the work will be commenced?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have not undertaken the drainage of the Owenmore River, but in anticipation of being able to have the work carried out by a drainage Board they had the necessary plans and estimates made with a view to applying for a loan for the work. An application was made to the Development Commissioners for a grant which they declined, but they agreed that if the Board would have the work carried out they would consider an application for making a loan to be repaid if necessary with interest. As a considerable portion of the area affected by the drainage of the river and its tributaries is in the occupation of land holders, who have agreed to buy their holdings, but have not yet had their holdings vested in them, the Board are of opinion that it will be necessary to postpone final arrangements until the title is transferred from the owners to the occupiers.