asked the Minister for Lands the progress, if any, that has been made with regard to the division of 500 acres of land in County Galway derived from the Farrell estate, Seefin, Craughwell, the Keane estate, Moycola, the Callanan estate and the Burke estate, Callamuinia, and a few small parcels of land, among the small farmers in these localities; and if he is aware that a number of these farmers have no hope of developing their farms under EEC directive 159 unless they obtain additional land immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Land Division.
15.
Cavan): The Land Commission have obtained possession of the Farrell estate referred to and two other properties in the same locality —total area 288 acres. The formulation of proposals for the division of these lands has been deferred pending the outcome of proceedings for the acquisition of the three other properties comprising some 208 acres, referred to in the question, which the Land Commission are anxious to obtain in order to implement a more comprehensive scheme of land settlement in the district. The position in regard to these lands is as follows:
Proceedings for the Callanan property are in the final stages and a date for possession is being arranged.
The price of the Keane estate was recently determined by the Appeal Tribunal and the Land Commission are considering whether proceedings should be continued.
Efforts to purchase the Burke property on a voluntary basis have not so far been successful. The Land Commission are considering what further action is open to them in regard to these lands.
That is satisfactory up to a point. Surely the Land Commission can divide the land in their possession. I know what they are waiting for. It is of vital importance, as the Minister knows, to give them time to implement the directive. These people are on the borderline. They could be classed as development farmers if they got additional land. By not dividing the land they may be delaying a farmer gaining development status. Would the Minister seriously consider asking the Land Commission to divide the land they have at the moment?
This is a very long question.
(Cavan): In anticipation of the Deputy's supplementary I spoke to the Land Commission about this. I am informed that, if the Land Commission were to divide the 288 acres on hand, it would be a bad scheme because in order to do a good job in a locality rearrangements and exchanges are necessary which will involve all the land covered in the Deputy's question.
Can the Minister say when there will be a decision?
(Cavan): As far as I can see the only property about which there will be any delay is the Burke property. Price had been arranged on that on a voluntary basis when the owner died and that is the cause of the delay there. I will ask the Land Commission to do everything to expedite the matter.