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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Jul 1939

Vol. 76 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Lands.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will now state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Land Commission to acquire Gortanieran farm, on the Ward estate, for the relief of the acute congestion existing in the townland of Kilscoghagh, Crossboyne, Claremorris, where there are ten tenants whose Poor Law Valuations are under £3 each.

Mr. Boland

Notice of the intention of the Land Commission to institute proceedings for the resumption of 77 acres, portion of the holding in the townland of Kilscoghagh in the occupation of Joseph P. Mellett, was published on 24th March, 1939. A petition against resumption has been lodged and it is not at present possible to anticipate a decision thereon.

The Land Commission also propose to institute proceedings for the resumption of the holding of Michael Hughes (John) comprising 8a.2r.17p. in the townland of Gortanieran.

asked the Minister for Lands if he will now state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Land Commission to provide economic holdings for the ten tenants in the townland of Ranahard, Cuilmore, Claremorris, whose Poor Law Valuations are under £3.

asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that acute congestion exists in the parish of Keelogues, particularly in the townland of Drumanganagh, Manulla, Castlebar; and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Land Commission to provide economic holdings for the tenants in that area whose valuations are under £10.

Mr. Boland

I propose to take together the Deputy's two questions as to what steps are being taken by the Land Commission for the relief of congestion in the respective townlands of Cuilmore (on the Ruttledge estate) and Drunganagh (on the Fitzgerald estate). These estates were purchased by the former Congested Districts Board and include a large number of rundale holdings which require rearrangement prior to resale to the tenants, and this is a difficult and tedious matter. A comprehensive scheme of survey and inspection of these and similar estates is being arranged but it is not likely to be completed for some time. The Fitzgerald estate will probably be reached in the course of this year and the Ruttledge estate early next year. The possibility of the relief of local congestion by the migration of some of the tenants will be considered in this connection.

asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the Land Commission in September, 1937, agreed to give Mrs. Mary Joyce, Frenchgrove, Hollymount, an exchange for her holding on the Ruttledge estate, Castleville, Hollymount; that she signed the usual purchase agreement and was promised possession by March 15, 1938; and if he will now state the cause of the delay in giving Mrs. Joyce possession of the new holding.

Mr. Boland

In connection with the preliminary proposals for the division of the lands of Lecarrow on the former estate of W. E. Ruttledge, Mrs. Mary Joyce agreed, on 10th September, 1937, to exchange her holding in Frenchgrove for a new holding in Lecarrow. Following the exclusion of portion of the Lecarrow lands from the acquisition proceedings, it became necessary to obtain fresh proposals for the division of the lands and Mrs. Joyce signed a fresh undertaking to exchange, on 5th January, 1938. The arrangement with Mrs. Joyce was made by the Land Commission inspector subject to the commissioners' approval and no promise of possession by any definite date could have been given. Owing to the large number of prior cases awaiting the attention of the Land Commission, it has not been found possible to complete the arrangements for exchange, but the matter will be expedited.

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