asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to conclude the striping of the townlands of Ballina and Mweelish, situate on the estate of the Earl of Mayo, C.D.B. 184, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Estates—Striping of Townlands.
The operation of the rearrangement scheme for the townlands of Ballina and Mweelis is held up mainly owing to the difficulty of arranging for the erection of the necessary buildings in present conditions. Proceedings for the resumption of a holding required for the rearrangement scheme have also been delayed owing to emergency conditions, but are now continuing. Some further migrations are desirable in order to make the rearrangement scheme as comprehensive as possible. Every effort will be made to continue the striping as soon as possible, and if the Land Commission are unable to operate the whole scheme within a reasonable time they may proceed with a partial rearrangement. It is preferable in the best interests of the tenants to secure as much land as possible for enlargement of the uneconomic holdings before attempting rearrangement.
Is the Minister aware that a good deal of striping has been mapped out by the Land Commission and consented to by the tenants and could that part of the division of the townland be carried out immediately?
It could be carried out and will be carried out, I understand, unless the Land Commission can get further land. If they cannot get further land they will go ahead.
What I am trying to convey to the Minister is, can it be carried out piecemeal—a portion of the striping done now and a portion of the striping done when further land has been obtained?
The Land Commission would prefer all the land that is going to be striped to be in their possession before they do anything.
The Land Commission may prefer it, but the tenants very much prefer the other, and should not the views of the tenants and their convenience be taken into consideration as well as the views of the Land Commission?
I think they are in constant touch.
I know it is not the Minister's Department, but will he see that representations are made to the Land Commission, if possible to have this carried out piecemeal, to have as much as possible of the striping carried out at once?
I will have what the Deputy has said conveyed to the Land Commission.
asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to stripe the townland of Killour, The Neale, situate on the Cooper estate, County Mayo, C.D.B. 193.
The Land Commission are not at present in a position to state when the townland of Killour will be striped. A scheme for the resale of the holdings on the Cooper estate has not yet been prepared, and in existing conditions staff is not available for such an undertaking. It is intended to proceed with the rearrangement scheme as soon as opportunity offers, but, as the Deputy is doubtless aware, such work is very difficult, requiring expert training and skill.