asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that an application has been made recently to the Irish Land Commission to acquire 450 acres of the Trench Estate, Ballybrittas, Laoighis, for division amongst the old employees, members of the Old I.R.A. and uneconomic holders in the area; and that, by a recent agreement with the Land Committee at Ballybrittas, Mr. Trench is prepared to hand over the major part of the estate to the Irish Land Commission; and, if so, if he will undertake to have the matter dealt with by the Land Commission at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Leix Lands.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that inclusive in the Trench Estate at Ballybrittas, Laoighis, is an acreage of approximately 270 acres of bog, which serves many people around the estate; and that a scheme for the proper drainage of the bog and construction of roads is a necessity; and, if so, if he will take steps to have this part of the estate acquired, developed and divided amongst persons in need of turbary in the area.
I propose to take together the Deputy's two questions relative to the Trench Estate.
Representations have recently been received from the Ballybrittas Land Settlement Committee urging acquisition of 450 acres of arable land and also 270 acres of bog on the Trench Estate, Laoighis. The representations made have been noted for consideration.
Will the Minister promise to have these lands inspected at an early date in view of the fact that they are situated in the most congested parts of County Leix?
I really could not.