asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that though large tracts of lands have been divided in their neighbourhood, the small holdings in the townlands of Coolaughbawn, Derrowe, Facefield and Acres, on the de Clifford estate, in County Mayo, have not been enlarged, and what steps the Irish Land Commission propose to take, if any, to enlarge and make economic these holdings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Enlargement of Mayo Farms.
Mr. Boland:
The Land Commission are aware that congestion exists in the districts which the Deputy mentions, and they have resumed a holding of 26 acres in the townland of Facefield and have taken proceedings for the acquisition of another holding of 56 acres in the same townland.
Is the Minister satisfied that the acreage which he mentioned will be adequate to relieve congestion in these townlands? The Minister, no doubt, I take it, is aware that the tenants on all these townlands were treated in an extremely bad way when the McEllin estate was broken up? Is the Minister satisfied that these two areas will be adequate to relieve congestion and will the land go to the tenants on these townlands only and not to people from outside?
Mr. Boland:
I think the Deputy is aware that the allocation of the lands is not a matter for the Minister but for the Land Commission.
Yes, but the Minister is answering for the Land Commission. Is the Minister aware that he and his colleagues occasionally boast how much they have done?
Mr. Boland:
The first charge on these lands will be for the relief of local congestion.