asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that all the stock and effects on the lands of the late Colonel Ellis, Maherymore, Wicklow, are advertised for sale by auction; that the sale of the stock and effects will result in the disemployment of 11 men with approximately 70 dependents, and that parts of the lands in question are sublet already on the 11 months' system; and whether in these circumstances he will take steps immediately to acquire the estate for subdivision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Wicklow Estate.
The Deputy's question is the only intimation received by the Land Commission of a prospective sale of stock and effects on the lands of Maherymore or of the subletting of portion of these lands. The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of this estate and having regard to the emergency conditions now obtaining they do not propose to take any action for the present.
Is the Minister aware of the fact that the proceeds of the sale of this place will be sent to individuals residing in a foreign country, and that all the employees around the district have received notice?
I explained last year, when Deputy Norton asked me what was the position regarding work under the Land Commission, that the Government had decided to continue proceedings only in those cases in which commitments had been entered into, that is to say we propose to continue with the division of lands already acquired or about to be acquired, and to complete proceedings in cases where statutory notices have already been published or offers to purchase are outstanding. It is not intended to undertake new inspection work or to open up new proceedings for acquisition. As I explained to Deputy Norton on that occasion, the Land Commission have a considerable amount of acquisition and other work on hands which will occupy their attention for a considerable time.