asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the estate of Heskins, late Braddell, Newhill, County Tipperary, comprising about 300 acres land and 300 acres bog, has been the subject of agitation over a number of years; and if he will now state whether those lands will be acquired for division.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of Tipperary Lands.
The Land Commission received representations regarding the acquisition of the Braddell estate, Newhill, County Tipperary, and had the lands inspected, but owing to the present emergency conditions consideration of the question of acquisition has been deferred.
We have had that reply half a dozen times. Was not this estate offered to the Land Commission by the owner in 1938, and has there not been an agitation since by very small uneconomic holders to have it taken over? It would be time for the Minister to say definitely whether or not it will be taken over.
I think it is time that the Deputy should understand that the operations of the Land Commission are governed by a decision of the Government covering the emergency under which new commitments were not entered into. The Deputy ought to be familiar with the fact that for a considerable time past, at least for two years, new operations were held up. It is for that reason that this case is not being proceeded with.
I understand that. I also understood that where there was a question of forestry or a bog involved it was the policy of the Land Commission to deal with the lands. This is a case where half of it was bog and half arable land. The owner offered it to the Land Commission, but the place is becoming derelict and there are a number of uneconomic holders on the spot.
I am advised that the turbary in question is nearly all of poor quality, is expensive to develop, and is in a district where there is an almost unlimited area of good turbary convenient to public roads. As I have indicated, consideration of the question of acquisition has been deferred.