Chapter XXIII: Appendix: J

(1.) RECOMMENDATION IN REGARD TO IRELAND OF THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON CANALS AND INLAND NAVIGATION

(1.) That such waterways in Ireland as, on a review of all the facts, your Majesty's Government may deem of importance to the cause of cheap inland transport, should come under State control; and

(2.) That a Controlling Authority should be constituted for the purpose of taking over those inland waterways which are already under the control of the State, of Local Authorities, or of a public trust, and of acquiring such other waterways as are determined to be of importance either to the drainage of the country, or to the cause of cheap inland transport.

(2.) IN REGARD TO IRISH RAILWAYS

The principal recommendation of the Majority Report of the Viceregal Commission on Irish Railways (1910) runs as follows:--

(1.) That an Irish Authority be instituted to acquire the
Irish Railways and work them as a single system.

(2.) That this Authority be a Railway Board of twenty
Directors, four nominated and sixteen elected.

(3.) That the general terms of purchase be those prescribed by
the Regulation of Railways Act of 1844 (7 and 8 Vic. cap. 85.
sec. 2), with supplementary provisions as to redemption of
guarantees, and purchase of non-dividend paying or non-profit
earning lines.

(4.) That the financial medium be a Railway Stock; and that
such stock be charged upon (1) the Consolidated Fund; (2) the
net revenues of the unified Railway system; (3) an annual grant
from the Imperial Exchequer; and (4) a general rate, to be
struck by the Irish Railway Authority if and when required.