asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission proposes to acquire the lands of Brooklawn, on the estate of Mr. John Gallagher, containing approximately 127 acres (Record No. U4688), situate between Kilmovee and Ballaghaderreen, on the border of the Counties Mayo and Roscommon; and, if so, when; and if he is aware that these lands are situate in a very congested area, and are surrounded by uneconomic holdings and that considerable discontent exists in this neighbourhood since the Land Commission has not already acquired these lands before now.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Lands.
Mr. Boland
The question appears to refer to the lands of Ishlaun, formerly held by the Misses Agnes and Teresa Jordan and now in the occupation of Mr. John Gallagher.
The Land Commission are aware of the congestion existing in the neighbourhood and have already considered the question of acquiring these lands, but in the circumstances of the case they do not propose to take further action for the present.
The Minister says: "for the present." Might I ask when "the present" will terminate, and the "further action" be taken?
Mr. Boland
I am not able to say that; it will depend on the report of the inspector.
Is the Minister holding out hopes, by the use of the words "at present," that action will be taken within a reasonable time?
Mr. Boland
I cannot say. We must wait for the report of the inspector, and, as to what the Land Commission will do then, I cannot say, and neither can I interfere with the matter, as the Deputy himself so often reminds me.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what steps, if any, have been taken by the Land Commission to acquire from the Governors of the Bank of Ireland the holding formerly occupied by Mr. J. J. Elder on Clancarty estate at Kellysgrove, Ballinasloe, County Galway; or if it is the intention to acquire these lands for division amongst local congests and other suitable applicants.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission are having inquiries made to ascertain the suitability for their purposes of the lands of Kellysgrove formerly in the occupation of James J. Elder and now the property of the Bank of Ireland, and on completion of these inquiries the question of acquisition will be considered.