asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the very considerable delay in the issue of maps of non-vested holdings by the Land Commission and of the consequential hardship imposed on tenant purchasers (particularly in County Dublin); and, if so, if he will take steps to have the matter investigated and remedied.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Delay in Issue of Land Commission Maps.
I am not aware that there is any avoidable delay in the preparation and issue by the Land Commission of copy maps of non-vested holdings. Every effort is made to deal promptly with applications for copy maps, but time must be allowed for identification of the holding; verification of the particulars; procuring of the relevant estate map (which may be away in the country in use by a local inspector); assessment, notification and receipt of the appropriate fees; and preparation and checking of the copy map. It is quite out of the question to expect (as some applicants appear to do) the supply of a copy map by return of post.
As regards the case of County Dublin to which the Deputy refers, the holdings are sometimes so small that it is necessary to requisition 25-inch scale maps from the Ordnance Survey Office, and this causes delay, particularly as maps on this scale are at present in short supply.