§ Mr. HUGH LAWasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. James F. O'Donnell, J.P., Burton-port, who for the past three years has been elected by the Glenties Rural District Council as delegate, under Clause 18 of the Burtonport Railway Extension Order, 1898, to attend and vote at the general meetings of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company, has not been summoned to attend any such meetings; whether the Board of Works can under their agreement with the company take any steps in the matter; whether the company is exempted from county rating; and, if so, upon what grounds?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI am informed that the appointment of Mr. J. F. O'Donnell, J.P., as a delegate to represent the Glenties Rural District Council for the past three years under Clause 18 of the Burtonport Railway Extension Order, 1898, to attend and vote at the general meetings of the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company has not been notified to2220W the Board of Works. The Board have no power to compel the railway company to summon a delegate. Clause 13 of the Tramways Order in Council (Ireland) (Londonderry and Lough Swilly (Letter-kenny to Burtonport Extension) Railway) Confirmation Act, 1898, provided that the Burtonport line should not be assessed for local rates at a higher rate than the lands upon which the line was constructed for the first ten years after it was opened. I understand that the question of an extension of that period is at present under the consideration of the Irish Government.