asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state what is the area and valuation of the estate of Mrs. McCraith Blakeney, situated at Loughloher and Loughallis, near Cahir, County Tipperary; whether he is aware that it is non residential, part being let on short lease to Mr. Maher, auctioneer, and part on the 11 months' system to a local large farmer and cattle dealer; that portion of the estate was cleared land, and that in the area there is a number of uneconomic holders; that the land is general purposes land eminently suitable for division, and that only about one-third of the number are now employed as compared with a dozen years ago; if the land was purchased in 1926 under Section 38 of the Land Act, 1923, and is now subject to an annuity of about 2s. 6d per acre; and whether the Irish Land Commission proposes to acquire the lands; and if they have, with the object in view, got into communication with Mrs. McCraith Blakeney.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Blakeney Estate (Cahir).
The lands of Loughloher, to which the Deputy refers, containing some 500 acres, Poor Law Valuation £391 on land and £24 10s. 0d. on buildings, were formerly subject to a head rent payable to Colonel Atkinson, and an application was made by Mrs. Blakeney under Section 38 of the Land Act, 1923, for the redemption of this rent. On 7th May, 1926, the lands were charged under the Act with the repayment of an advance of £1,347 by an annuity of £63 19s. 8d. The Land Commission are aware of all the circumstances of the lands as mentioned by the Deputy, but having regard to the fact (1) that the lands can only be acquired for relief of congestion, and (2) of the provisions of Section 24 (3) of the Land Act, 1923, it is not proposed at present to take any action regarding their acquisition.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary state if and when he will be able to take over these lands?
I have already said that it is not proposed to take any action, at present at all events.