asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Irish Land Commission have in view the acquisition of additional land for the relief of congestion in the Newtown and Clogher areas, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of County Mayo Congestion.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission have made preliminary investigations in regard to the acquisition or resumption by them of lands totalling 152 acres in the Newtown and Clogher areas, County Mayo. They cannot, however, give any estimate of the proportion of such area which may ultimately be available for division in this district.
Sir, on questions Nos. 35 and 36, with your permission, I will raise the matter on adjournment to-night if the Minister is then available. If he is not available, I would ask your permission to raise it on the first occasion on which he is available.
There are two matters to be considered.
Mr. Boland
I might mention that the Minister is in the Seanad at the present moment. I presume the Deputies are aware that he is in the Seanad.
Mr. Walsh
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the area of land held by Mrs. Ryan, Churcher Estate, Meelick, Irishtown; what proceedings were taken by the Land Commission for the acquisition of these lands; when these proceedings were started; if such proceedings were delayed because of the emergency difficulties; if he will now state the area of the lands in question let in conacre to the adjoining tenants during each of the years 1937 to 1943, inclusive; and whether the Land Commission will now take active proceedings for the acquisition of these lands to relieve congestion in the locality.
Mr. Boland
The question appears to relate to the holding of Mrs. Kate Ryan in the townland of Castlereagh which adjoins the townland of Meelick. The area is 285 acres. Resumption proceedings in respect of part thereof were initiated by the Land Commission in 1937. Mrs. Ryan objected and the proceedings were suspended pending the enactment of legislation clarifying the Land Commission's powers. Emergency conditions made a renewal of the proceedings impossible.
The position is now being reexamined and a decision on future action will be taken as soon as practicable. The particulars of any conacre lettings made by Mrs. Ryan are not available to the Land Commission.