HC Deb 07 March 1910 vol 14 cc1285-6W
Mr. HAYDEN

asked the Chief Secretary whether a bog-slide has taken place in the neighbourhood of Castlerea, county Roscommon; and, if so, whether he can state the extent of the damage and what steps, if any, have been taken to repair the damage?

Mr. BIRRELL

I understand that a portion of a large bog on the Worthington estate began to move on last Wednesday afternoon. Two of the inspectors of the Congested Districts Board visited the bog, and considered that it was desirable to tap the water at the back of the bog in order to prevent considerable damage being done. Thirty-four men were accordingly immediately employed for this purpose, and the Board's inspector reports that there is no reason in his opinion to fear any further movement of the bog. About twenty acres of bog has moved about forty yards, part of a potato garden belonging to a tenant on the estate has been buried, and he has lost some of his potatoes which were in pits in the garden. No other damage has been done. Three tenants who left their homes when the bog began to move have now returned to them.

Mr. O'KELLY

asked the Chief Secretary whether he can say if the bog-slide reported to have taken place in county Roscommon during last week is of a serious character; what is the extent of the damage; and what steps have been taken to succour the people affected?

Mr. BIRRELL

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply which I have just given to the question asked by the hon. Member for South Roscommon.