asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that portion of the lands at Neaskin, Dunmanway, County Cork, tenanted by Mr. Hourihan was acquired by his Department for forestry purposes a considerable time ago; that subsequently the lands were sold to Mr. Timothy J. Hourihan and a sum of £254 paid for them on the 28th December, 1942; that the transaction has not yet been completed; that, as a result, an application for a housing grant made by Mr. Hourihan is held up; and whether he will arrange for the immediate conclusion of the sale of the lands to Mr. Hourihan.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Dunmanway Lands.
It was found impossible to utilise these lands for afforestation as vacant possession was not forthcoming. In the circumstances a sale to the person in occupation, viz., Mr. Timothy T. Hourihan, has been arranged through the Land Commission. Mr. Hourihan has paid the sum mentioned by the Deputy, as part of the purchase money. The legal formalities have been protracted but the matter is now nearing completion and there will be no avoidable delay in bringing the sale to a formal conclusion. Mr. Hourihan has, of course, been in occupation of the lands all through.
The Deputy is misinformed with regard to the application under the Housing Acts.