asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that it is proposed by the Land Commission to dispose of the lands of the Jacksons Estate, Knockcroghery, in lots by direct sale; that an attempt was previously made to dispose of these lands in lots by public auction and that the sale proved abortive, and that one lot was later disposed of privately and this caused considerable local agitation; if he is further aware that Mr. Lynch's farm at "Crows Gap" in that district was offered for public sale but was not disposed of; and, if so, if he will give an assurance that those lands and the lands of the Jacksons Estate will not again be offered for sale in lots until such time as the needs of the local people are investigated; and further, if they are disposed of in the meantime, if he will ensure that the consent of the Land Commission is withheld pending such investigations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Estate.
An application for permission to sub-divide the lands of Knockcroghery owned by Miss Jackson was made to the Land Commission. There were no proceedings for the acquisition of the lands and the sub-division of the holding was sanctioned on the condition that the proposed purchasers be approved of by the Land Commission. The owner then offered part of the holding for sale in lots by public auction, but the sale was abortive. Later the names of two purchasers of portions of the lands were submitted for approval and were approved of by the Land Commission.
The Land Commission are aware that the lands of "Crows Gap" and Cartronperagh owned by Mr. Cecil Lynch were offered for sale but were not sold. No application for permission to sub-divide these lands has been made, and I cannot forecast the decision of the Land Commissioners in case any such application may be made. The Land Commission are not at present in a position to take any action regarding the acquisition of these lands.
With regard to the last part of the Deputy's question, the Land Commission have no power to prevent private sales do not prevent the possible exercise in future of the powers of acquiring lands for division accorded to the Land Commission under the Land Acts.