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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 25 Nov 1931

Vol. 40 No. 16

Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Kildare Estate.

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that the estate of Captain Mansfield in the townlands of Castlekeely and Gingestown, in Co. Kildare, containing about 600 acres and on which a large number of workers were employed at tillage and general agricultural work, is now advertised to be let on the eleven months system for grazing, thereby depriving a large number of agricultural workers of employment, and whether the Land Commission propose to provide funds for the general improvement of these lands pending their acquisition and division.

As the Estate of Captain Mansfield at Castlekelly and Gingestown has not been acquired by the Land Commission the question of their carrying out any improvement works thereon does not arise.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that owing to the attitude of the Land Commission in dealing with this estate a considerable amount of unemployment has been caused in the locality? I understand the fact is that as it became known that the Land Commission were about to take over the estate Capt. Mansfield refused to carry out ordinary improvements on the estate which formerly gave employment to many men. Capt. Mansfield is not now doing the work and as the Land Commission have not yet taken over the estate matters are at a standstill.

The Land Commission two years ago decided not to acquire this estate and that decision holds good still. The Land Commission cannot carry out work on land they have not acquired.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that conversation is believed to be in progress between the Land Commission and Capt. Mansfield at the moment with the object of taking over the estate?

There are certain negotiations going on between the Land Commission and Capt. Mansfield about the purchase of another estate or portion of an estate.

In view of the fact that the estate is now let on the eleven months system and that many men are unemployed in consequence will the Parliamentary Secretary not change his view?

I have no information about that.

If the Parliamentary Secretary gets information that the land is now let on the eleven months system and that a number of men are unemployed, will he not take some action?

That may be a matter for later consideration.

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