asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the untenanted lands of Parsonstown, Carbury, Co. Kildare, held by the late B.J. Eivers, containing 377 acres 3 roods 10 perches, and whether he can state when these lands will be available for the relief of congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Co. Kildare Lands.
Proceedings have been instituted under the provisions of the Land Act, 1923, for the acquisition of the lands of Parsonstown, containing 377a. 3r. 10p. These lands were published in a provisional list of lands which, if not excluded in consequence of a valid objection, would become vested in the Land Commission on the appointed day. The owner's objection to the acquisition of these lands by the Land Commission has not yet been determined. Consequently it is not possible to say when the lands, if acquired, will be divided.
It is taking a long time.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state when the lands containing 402 acres in the townlands of Broadleas Common, Horsepasstown, Kilmalum and Silverhill Lower, on the estate of Captain Edward S. Hornidge, in the Ballymore-Eustace district, Co. Kildare, will be divided amongst the congest applicants whose names have been furnished to the Department.
The Land Commission hope to be in a position to take over the untenanted lands of Broadleas Commons, Horsepasstown, Kilmalum and Silverhill Lower during March and to allot them pursuant to provisions of Section 31—1923 Act.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state when the lands containing 178 acres, on the estate of the late Mr. Robert Murray, in the townland of Nurney, Co. Kildare, will be available for allotment amongst the local congests.
As intimated to the Deputy in reply to his question on the 11th July last, procedings have been instituted for the acquisition of the lands referred to, containing in all 178a. 0r. 11p. The price communicated to the owner for the purchase of these lands has not been accepted, and the question of further action is at present under consideration. It is therefore not possible to state at present when the lands will be divided.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the lands containing 358 acres, on the estate of Mr. William Ashe, in the townland of Blackhall, Co. Kildare, and when these lands will be available for allotment amongst the twenty-two congest applicants whose names have been furnished to the Department.
The Land Commission have decided not to take any further action towards the acquisition of the lands of William Ashe at Blackhall.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that Mr. Ashe has 700 acres of other land in the neighbourhood? Does he not think that it is the duty of the Land Commission to acquire this farm of about 300 acres for the relief of congests, especially in view of the fact that a number of them are living adjacent on holdings of from five to fifteen acres? They are just able to get a bare existence on the little holdings they have. I think that the Parliamentary Secretary should give this case further consideration.
The owner of these lands employs from 20 to 25 permanent labourers. If the lands were acquired they would be utilised for the purpose of making provision for these labourers. There is very little congestion in the area. The congests in the area are very anxious that Mr. Ashe should be allowed to retain these lands.
I do not believe that.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he can state what progress has been made by the Land Commission in acquiring the lands in the Rathangan-Allen area (especially that portion known as the Murphy minors estate, containing about 700 acres), in respect of which a list was furnished to the Department with the names of twenty-seven congest applicants on the 1st April, 1925, and a further list of thirty-six names on the 4th December, 1929.
The Land Commission have made inquiries as regards the property known as the Murphy minors estate and propose to have the lands valued with a view to their acquisition for relief of local congestion.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Land Commission have decided to acquire for the relief of congestion the lands containing about 1,024 acres on the La Touche estate, near Kilcullen, Co. Kildare; and, if so, when the lands will be available for allotment amongst the congest applicants (48 in number) whose names have been furnished to the Department.
The Land Commission, having inquired carefully into all the circumstances, do not propose to take any action regarding the acquisition of the lands referred to on the La Touche estate.