asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that large tracts of untenanted lands on the Lynch Blosse Estate, Balla, Co. Mayo, acquired by the Congested Districts Board over fifteen years ago, are still undivided, and what steps, if any, are being taken to relieve the acute congestion which exists on this estate, where a large number of tenants are living on small holdings under £5 valuation.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - DIVISION OF MAYO ESTATE.
Mr. HOGAN
With the exception of one acre, all the untenanted land on the portion of the Estate referred to in the Question has been disposed of since July, 1921.
The Attavalie Demesne lands were excluded from the sale in 1908 and were not acquired until 1918, when the purchase money had to be found in cash and paid out of the Board's own funds. Owing to the depreciation of Land Stock and the heavy loss that would have resulted through re-sale under the Land Act, 1909, these lands have been retained in hands pending the passing of the Land Act, 1923, under which they will be sold as early as possible in suitable divisions.