Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Apr 1923

Vol. 3 No. 7

[WRITTEN ANSWERS.] - LAND IMPROVEMENT LOANS.

TOMAS MAC EOIN

asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state the number of applications made and granted, and the amount of the loans granted, under the Landed Property Improvement Acts and other Acts relating to the same subject, in respect of each of the following purposes, for the financial year, 1922-23:—

(1) Erection and improvement of Farm Buildings.

(2) Erection and improvement of Labourers' Cottages.

(3) Open Main Drains and thorough drainage.

(4) Farm Roads.

(5) Field Fencing.

(6) Formation of Plantations.

(7) Sub-soiling and trenching, application of lime, etc.

(8) Clearing of rocks, furze, and reclamation from waste.

Will the Minister state on what terms loans for these purposes may be obtained, and whether any steps have been, or will be taken, by the Minister, to impress upon farmers the desirability of applying for such loans, with a view to increasing the productive capacity of their land and providing employment at suitable seasons for a large number of agricultural workers.

Mr. HOGAN

Ninety-four memorials for loans under these Acts were presented during the year 1922-23—most of them towards the end of the year. Six of these were refused, 8 postponed by the memorialists, and 72 are still under consideration.

Ten loans, amounting to £2,060, were sanctioned during the year, including two applied for during the previous year. All these loans were granted in respect of the erection and improvement of farm buildings.

With regard to the question of repayment, the rent charges (which cover both principal and interest) at present are £7 17s. 10d. and £6 13s. 4d. per cent. per annum for loans repayable in 22 years and 35 years, respectively.

I regret that in the present state of the public finances it is possible only to make very limited provision for the granting of local loans and I cannot, therefore, encourage the making of applications for such loans.