asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he can state whether the Land Commission propose to acquire the necessary land, in the occupation of John Golden, of Lugdoon (estate of Congested Districts Board, formerly the estate of Sir Rodger Palmer), Co. Sligo, to enable the Sligo County Council to construct a road through the townlands of Kings Mountain and Lugdoon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed New Sligo Road.
The question of collaborating with the Sligo County Council in the construction and repair of the road referred to by the Deputy, and the best route for such a road, is under consideration by the Land Commission.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary state whether it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire land for the purpose of making this road provided the person named in the question does not surrender the land voluntarily?
I do not think it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire land from Mr. Golden, who is mentioned in the Deputy's question. The Land Commission inspector seems to be satisfied that the road proposed is not the most suitable one. Presumably some correspondence will take place between the council and the Land Commission in regard to the matter.
If the Parliamentary Secretary and his officials are satisfied that no alternative route is possible— that a road can only be made over land in the occupation of Mr. Golden —will the Land Commission exercise compulsory powers?
That will be a matter for further investigation and report.
I should like to point out to the Parliamentary Secretary that the refusal of this man to give the required land is holding up this work for which the county council has voted £175 and for which the Land Commission has given a like amount. The county council, by resolution passed unanimously at their meeting on 18th April, 1931, requested the Land Commission to exercise their powers to acquire a site for this road.
The Land Commission inspector is of opinion that the Land Commission would not be justified in taking steps for the acquisition of this land. In his opinion, the route suggested by the county council is not the most suitable one. The question is the subject of correspondence between the county council and the Land Commission at present.