asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that although a Land Commission Inspector visited the bog on the Walpole Estate, near Strokestown, County Roscommon, over 12 months ago for the purpose of inviting applications for turbary, no indications are yet forthcoming that any steps have been taken to consider those applications and whether as many more applications have been received than can possibly be granted, he will expedite the work so that those who cannot acquire allotments on this bog may seek accommodation elsewhere before next season commences.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Turbary Applications.
The Deputy would appear, from his question, to be under the impression that these bogs on the Walpole Estate are in the hands of the Land Commission. That is not so. The inspection to which he refers took place in January last and was for the purpose of examining and valuing the bogs, totalling 926 acres in area, with a view to acquisition. As a result acquisition proceedings were begun and, as the owners have now accepted the Land Commission offer, a scheme for the division of the bogs will be prepared as expeditiously as possible.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary say if he knows how many people are at present accommodated there with turbary and how many people the Land Commission will be able to accommodate when the allotment scheme is completed? Does he not think that the matter should be expedited so that these people can know how they will be situated next year?
There are about 50 persons accommodated there at present.
And there are other applications from close on 200?
No. There are about 40 others.