asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that there are a large number of uneconomic holders and landless men living in the vicinity of the Timoney Estate, Roscrea; and whether he is prepared to have these lands reinspected with a view to their acquisition.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Uneconomic Holdings near Roscrea.
The Land Commission do not propose to have the lands at Timoney on the Parker Hutchinson Estate reinspected, as they are already fully aware of all the circumstances in connection with these lands and have decided to take no further action with reference to them.
May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if the Land Commission were aware, when coming to this decision, that there are 46 uneconomic landholders living in the immediate vicinity of these lands and that the owner lives 37 miles away on another estate, and in view of the fact that no employment is given on these lands, will he have the matter reconsidered?
At the moment, of course, I am not aware of all the facts that weighed with the Land Commission in reaching this decision. I do know that they were aware of the fact that congestion did exist in the district because a special inspection was made of the lands before the decision was reached, but the Deputy is probably not aware that these lands are subject to a Land Commission annuity. They are demesne lands, and the owner is entitled to have them excluded.
In view of the fact that there are no other lands in that area, then congestion is to remain in that area.
I do not know whether there are any other lands in that district to relieve congestion or not.
I am sorry to have to inform the Parliamentary Secretary that there are not.