Abstract of Estimate of Works to be executed on the Burren
River.
The total quantity of land which I calculate will be relieved and
improved by the expenditure of the above sum of £26,469 amounts to 9,636
acres. The benefit will vary in degree according to particular
circumstances. The land most liable to flood at present will
be improved to the greatest extent, next in degree are
the lands occasionally under water, and after them, those suffering from
continued wetness, though not absolutely flooded. Then lands are
included whose drainage is impeded, either for want of sufficient fall,
or by reason of unwillingness or indifference on the part of adjoining
proprietors to co-operate with each other, to take advantage of a fall
where it does exist, as is sometimes the case, especially in reference
to boundary streams.
These several grades of improvement I have
endeavoured
to estimate, both as to quantity and value of each; and after careful
consideration, and a calculation as much in detail as the circumstances
would admit of, I have computed that the average increase in annual
value, upon the whole quantity of 9,636 acres, may reasonably be
estimated at 6s. 8d. per statute acre.
The great majority of the lands which are flooded will,
in my opinion, be raised in value full 20s. per acre, whilst a
considerable portion will be improved to a much greater amount, as prime
land will be created where useless marsh has hitherto existed.
The profit, then, which may be confidently expected to
arise, according to what I have stated, will be £3,212 per annum. This
would be equivalent to 12 per cent, upon the gross estimate of cost, or
something more than 13 per cent, upon the portion of it which will be
chargeable to the proprietors.
Some idea of the extent of the district proposed to be
relieved, may be formed from the amount of tributary streams and main
drains whose improvement is provided for in the proposed works.
Independently, then, of the main river itself, there
are 16 small tributaries, their united lengths is 35 miles, and the
principal drains I have estimated at 95 miles, making an aggregate
length of 130 miles of streams and drains to be improved, in addition to
the Burren river itself.
The examination of the land which will be benefited,
and the ascertaining of the names of the numerous proprietors and lease
tenants, has been attended with much difficulty, and necessarily
occupied much time. I have used my best
endeavours to collect accurate
information in this respect, and have prepared a schedule exhibiting the
names of the several townlands, the names (and addresses) of the
proprietors and lease tenants, so far as I could ascertain them, and the
total quantity of injured land belonging to each. In this part of my
inquiry, I feel bound to acknowledge the valuable and ready assistance
afforded by the several gentlemen connected with the locality to whom I
applied for information.
This list is appended, as well as the schedule of
bridges, &c., before referred to. I have also prepared a diagram map,
and a longitudinal section of the river on a reduced scale, showing the
intended bottom line
of excavation, and the form
and extent of the catchment basin, for the further information of those
interested in the proposed improvements.
CHARLES S. OTTLEY,
Civil Engineer.
Dublin, March, 1847
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