asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he is aware that the De Clifford Estate in South Mayo, was acquired by the Congested Districts Board in 1910; that the holdings on this estate in the parishes of Mayo, Crossboyne and Kilcommon, are not yet vested, that none of the large grazing ranches were made available for the relief of congestion, and that the tenants are unable to obtain loans for building purposes because of the failure of the Land Commission to vest their holdings; if he will state when these lands will be vested; if any refunds will be made to the tenants of the moneys paid in excess of annuities if vested, and what steps, if any, are being taken to provide economic holdings for the congests on this estate.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - THE DE CLIFFORD ESTATE.
Mr. HOGAN
The De Clifford estate, No. 220, County Mayo, was purchased by the (late) Congested Districts Board in 1913. Of the 115 tenants, about 60 had uneconomic holdings. The Congested Districts Board resumed and distributed 3 farms containing 352 acres, and negotiations are pending for the acquisition of further lands to provide enlargements for the remaining congests. An effort will be made to have vesting, where possible, completed at an early date. The Land Commission cannot make any refunds in respect of rent or interest paid.