asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state when the division scheme was put into operation on the Kilkelly estate, Ballickmoyler, Leix; the total amount allocated for improvement work on the estate, the amount already expended, and the cause of the delay in carrying out the work.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LEIX LAND DIVISION SCHEMES.
The lands on this estate were divided in May, 1928. A sum of £190 has been provided for improvement works. Following the usual procedure the allottees were informed when the lands were being divided that they would be required during the coming winter to erect sod fences between the allotments and that an allowance would be made for all fences built to the Land Commission specifications. There has been no delay in the matter.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state when the division scheme was put into operation on the estate of Mr. Wallace, Gortnalea, Ballybrophy, Leix; the total amount allocated for improvement work on these lands; the amount already expended, and if he can state the cause of the delay in carrying out or completing improvement work on this estate.
The resale scheme for the division of the untenanted lands of Gortnalee, containing 331a. 3r. 29p. or thereabouts on the Wallace Estate, was put into operation on the 13th April, 1926, and in connection therewith the Land Commission sanctioned an outlay totalling £350.
The Land Commission completed their part of the improvement works last July; the necessary drainage and fencing of rights-of-way being done by direct labour. The allottees will be required during the coming winter to erect sod fences between the parcels, and for this work an allowance of 5/- an Irish perch will be paid if the work is done in a satisfactory manner.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on a recent occasion the State Solicitor was instructed by the Land Commission to proceed for the recovery of annuities against one of the allottees in this case, whereas the allottee who had got the land on the 30th April, 1926, had not had a roadway made into the land to enable him to work it? Is that proof of the expeditious way in which the money is being expended?
It seems to me that that is a different question altogether. I am not aware that any proceedings have been taken against the allottees. But whatever delay has taken place in connection with the allottees, they are mainly responsible for it themselves.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state when the division scheme was put into operation on the estate of R.H. White, Aghaboe, Ballacolla, Leix; the total amount allocated for improvement work on the estate; the amount already expended, and if he can state the cause of the delay in completing such work on this estate.
The lands on this estate were divided in April and July, 1927. The sum of £1,368 has been sanctioned by the Land Commission for expenditure for improvement works. Of this sum £1,056 has been expended. The roads and drains are at present in a good state of repair, but before handing them over to the tenants for upkeep the Land Commission propose next summer to give the drains a final cleaning and to repair any small defects that may appear in the roads during the coming winter. A number of the tenants have not yet completed the fencing of their holdings, but it is expected they will do so during the coming winter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary satisfied that in the case of this particular estate the individuals who got the land in every case are in possession of rights-of-way to enable them to go into their own holdings?
As far as I know, yes.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary make further inquiries into the matter?
There is still some work to be carried out in connection with the fencing of their holdings. The rights-of-way have been completed.