asked the Minister for Lands the present position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the Cowley Estate at Knocknasleiva, Enniscrone, County Sligo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Enniscrone (Sligo) Lands.
39.
Proceedings for the acquisition of this 36 acre holding in the townland of Frankford did get to the price fixation stage. However, an application for enlargement of the period within which an objection to the proceedings might be lodged is pending for hearing by the judicial commissioner.
Is the Minister aware that this estate was the subject of land court proceedings a couple of years ago and that the objection by the owner was disallowed by the Commissioners?
I am aware of the rather long legal history here. The fact that a motion is pending before the judicial commissioner for an extension of time precludes me from saying anything further on the matter. I understand that these proceedings may be heard as soon as next week.
Is the Minister aware that this land is supposed to have been sold? The owner got 12 months in which to build a house. That 12 months period expired long ago. He is now supposed to have sold this holding to a man who lives some miles away. Has the Minister any information on that?
I have an amount of information on the matter but, as I pointed out, legal proceedings are pending at the moment. Therefore, I should not comment on the matter further than I have done.
I shall not force the Minister any further but I do hope that the ruling of the Commissioners will not be allowed to be flouted by an organisation.
This is a matter for the judicial commissioner—not the Land Commission—who is a judge of the High Court. I hope the Deputy is not suggesting he is venal.