asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that uneconomic holders in the townlands of Coolaghbawn, Facefield, Acres and Derrowl, near Balla, County Mayo, are obliged to walk four or five miles to obtain land for the purpose of conacre on which to grow food for themselves and their families; whether, adjoining their small holdings, there is in the townland of Facefield, on the de Clifford estate, a large farm in the control of the Land Commission for several years which will not be made available for tillage purposes, and whether there is any reason why this farm would not be divided amongst the uneconomic holders, or why it would not be let out in conacre pending its distribution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Position of Uneconomic Holders (County Mayo).
Mr. Boland
The farm "under the control of the Land Commission" to which the Deputy refers would seem to be the resumed holding of Eugene O'Donnell, containing 26 acres in the townland of Facefield. This holding is being kept in hands pending the possible acquisition of other lands in the vicinity, with a view to preparing a comprehensive scheme of division. Meanwhile it is let in grazing to local persons. It is not feasible in the circumstances to let it out in conacre. When the appropriate time comes for its division the claims of local applicants for land will be fully considered by the Land Commission.