asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that the lands at Knockhill, on the Jackson Estate, Kilcormac, County Offaly, have been let on the eleven months' system to the smallholders in the area for the past twelve years; whether he is aware that the stock of the smallholders concerned was recently removed from these lands without any previous notice to the owners; whether the Commissioners have been strongly urged to have these lands acquired for the relief of congestion; and what action, if any, is being taken in this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Lands.
Representations have been made to the Land Commission to have the lands of Knockhill on the Jackson estate acquired, and the lands have recently been visited by their inspector. The Land Commission are fully aware of the circumstances of the case and the question of the acquisition will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he has received repeated representations on behalf of the residents of Kilcormac, County Offaly, requesting the Commissioners to make a grant from the Relief Schemes Vote or the Improvement Vote of the Land Commission for the purpose of making a bog road from Kilcormac to Leabeg and Keamore; whether the Offaly County Council have offered to defray portion of the cost of carrying out this very necessary work; and whether the Commissioners are now prepared to sanction a grant for the purpose, and give instructions for the work to be started without delay?
The Land Commission have received representations regarding the making of the road to which the Deputy refers and have had enquiry made into the matter. It was not found possible to undertake the work.
Is it not possible to undertake this work with the moneys allocated from the Improvement Vote of the Land Commission?
It may be possible at a later date to undertake the work when the Land Commission is dealing with the Armstrong estate.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the scheme for the division of the bogs at Monvane, Kilcooney and Bogtown (Smallman estate), Cloneygowan, County Offaly, has been sanctioned by the Commissioners; and whether it is proposed to complete the necessary drainage and improvement work during the present season.
The Land Commission have at present under consideration the question of making turbary regulations in respect of the Monvane and Kilcooney bogs and the acquisition of the Bogtown bog, and any necessary drainage and improvement works will be duly considered.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether the Commissioners have so far made any offer for the untenanted lands and bog on the estate of Captain Burdett, Mullaghabawn, Banagher, County Offaly; and if so, whether the offer has been accepted, or what action, if any, the Commissioners have so far taken in this case.
The Land Commission have directed one of their inspectors to report on the untenanted lands and bog on the Burdett estate. No offer has yet been issued for the purchase of these lands.