asked the Minister for Fisheries if he will state what steps are being taken to acquire the Lambert demesne, Brookhill, Claremorris, for the purpose of providing economic holdings for the small farmers in that district.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION AND DIVISION OF MAYO LANDS.
The Land Commission are considering the desirability of acquiring the lands.
asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware that acute congestion exists in the parish of Kilcommon, South Mayo, and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Irish Land Commission to strip and divide the Frenchgrove farm on the Eagar estate, at Carras, the Lahinch demesne, and Coolaghbawn farm at Hollymount, and the Bloomfield farm at Bloomfield.
The lands of Frenchgrove and Coolaghbawn appear to be holdings of (1) James Joseph Hession and Mrs. Annie Fitzpatrick, situate in the townland of Frenchgrove on the estate of Francis J.M. Eagar, and (2) of Jas. Joseph Hession in the townland of Coolaghbawn on the estate of the Rev. and Hon. W.E. Bowen which are being dealt with under the Land Act, 1923.
The Land Commission have under consideration the question of the retention of these holdings under Section 28 of the Act with a view to their acquisition.
The Land Commission have taken proceedings under Section 24 (3) of the Land Act, 1923, for the acquisition of the lands of Lahinch demesne and Hollymount demesne. These lands being subject to a Land Purchase Annuity are within the exceptions contained in Section 24 (2) (a) of the Act. The owner has objected to the acquisition of the lands and has exercised his right of requiring to be provided with a holding equally suitable and of not less value than the lands proposed to be acquired. Suitable lands for exchange which could be offered to the owner are not at present available.
The lands of Bloomfield are in the hands of the Land Commission and arrangements for the division thereof and the disposal of Bloomfield House are under consideration.
asked the Minister for Fisheries if he will state the cause of the delay in dividing the lands known as Dillon's farm, Feamore, Tullrahan, Ballyhaunis, and if he will state the amount received per annum by the Irish Land Commission for the grazing of that farm.
The lands referred to comprise a holding of 135 acres on the More O'Farrell Estate, which the Congested Districts Board resumed for the relief of congestion. The Land Commission hope soon to be in a position to deal with these lands in connection with the rearrangement of the neighbouring congested townlands. The preliminary work of rearrangement will occupy some time, but it is hoped to have a scheme completed about September next. In the meantime stock is taken on the lands, preference being given to tenants of small holdings.
asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware that acute congestion exists on the De Clifford Estate, County Mayo, and if he will state the cause of delay by the Irish Land Commission in acquiring the large grazing ranches held by Messrs. Cowan, Knockroe, Mayo Abbey, and Algie Togher, Hollymount, for the relief of congestion.
The Land Commission are engaged in negotiations with Mr. Cowan and Mr. Algie with a view to settling terms for the acquisition of lands in Knockroe and Togher.