asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that the Irish Land Commission acquired the holding of land held by John Deignan, Knocknacurra, Ballyvary (Gibbons Estate), over five years ago; that the holding has not yet been divided, and if he will state the amount received by the Irish Land Commission for the grazing of that holding since John Deignan got an exchange for same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of Ballyvary (Mayo) Holding.
The Deputy would appear to be under a misapprehension as to the circumstances to which he refers. The facts are as follows:—It is proposed to migrate the occupier of the late John Deignan's holding on the townland of Laghtavarry on the Gibbons Estate, County Mayo, to a new holding on the Knox Gilden Estate, County Mayo. The holding on the Gibbons Estate has not yet been surrendered to the Land Commission, but the proposed migrant has let the lands to the tenants of small holdings adjoining. The completion of the exchange was delayed owing to a question of the provision of turbary, but this has now been arranged and it is expected that the exchange will be effected at an early date and the approved scheme for the surrendered holding will then be put into operation. The Land Commission have not collected any grazing rents in respect of the holding to be surrendered.
Is the Minister aware that that holding was supposed to be surrendered four years ago to the Land Commission, and that the occupier, who was then supposed to have left for another holding, is still grazing it and has been grazing it for the past four years?
It has not been let by the Land Commission. The lands have not yet been taken over by the Land Commission.
Why did not the Land Commission take over these lands four years ago?
The transaction has not yet been completed. It is hoped to have it completed at an early date.