asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that Bridget Bourke, The Mountain, Ballindine, is in possession of an untenanted holding of 20 acres of land at Barnaduff, Ballindine (Churchill Estate), and if he will consider acquiring same for the relief of congestion which exists in the townland of Cloonmore.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Lands.
Mr. Boland
The Land Commission have no proceedings pending for the acquisition of that part of the lands of Branraduff of which the ownership was registered in Bridget Bourke on 27th May, 1946. Note will be made of the Deputy's representation.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state when the Irish Land Commission propose to divide the 17 acres of land held by them at Facefield, Claremorris, County Mayo (De Clifford Estate); and if it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire the untenanted holding of Michael Begley, Facefield, before November, 1946, for the purpose of relieving congestion in this locality.
Mr. Boland
The Deputy appears to refer to the resumed holding of Eugene O'Donnell containing 26 statute acres in the townland of Facefield. This holding has been kept in hands by the Land Commission pending the possible acquisition of other lands in the neighbourhood. It is not possible to state when the O'Donnell holding will be divided. The position as regards Michael Begley's holding is as explained to the Deputy in February last.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that several hundred acres of land on the Ashford Estate, Cong, County Mayo, are about to be planted with forest trees; if he is further aware that this land is suitable for agriculture and if he will take steps to use this land for the relief of the congestion which exists in the area.
Mr. Boland
An area of not more than 150 acres is to be planted at Cong Forest next winter. It forms portion of the Ashford Estate purchased for State afforestation and it is not proposed to utilise it for subdivision purposes.
Is the Minister aware that this land is some of the finest land in the County Mayo, and that there is ample land for forestry besides planting this land? He must be aware that there is a great deal of congestion in the county, and that people in the locality are complaining at the moment.