asked the Minister for Lands whether it has been decided to acquire the lands of Mr. Smith, Down, Edenderry, Offaly; what steps have been already taken for this purpose, and when a division scheme is likely to be put into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Offaly Lands.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission have decided to acquire the lands of Down and Gorteen on the Smith estate and a scheme for their division is in course of preparation. Until this scheme has been completed and settled it is not possible to state when the lands will be divided.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position of the Land Commission regarding the repeated request of the local smallholders and landless men for the acquisition and division of the Ralish farm, Abbeyleix, and whether a division scheme is likely to be put into operation this year.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission published a notice of intention to apply to the appeal tribunal for leave to resume the holding of Thomas Delahunty in the townlands of Ralish, Ballymaddock and Ballymullen, but a petition against resumption has been lodged on behalf of the tenant. In the circumstances it is not possible at present to state whether or when the holding may be resumed.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what steps, if any, have already been taken for the purpose of acquiring and dividing the lands of Mr. Kenny, Rossdarragh, Rathdowney, County Leix, and whether a division scheme will be put into operation this year.
Mr. Boland
Proceedings have been instituted by the Land Commission for the acquisition of the lands of Rossdarragh and Cappalinnan on the Kenny estate. The owner has lodged an objection to their acquisition, and until this objection has been disposed of it is not possible to state whether or when the lands will be acquired and divided.