asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the portion of the holding of Mrs. Florrie Finney, lands of Oghilmore, on estate of A.B. Pollok, Record No. S.4423, County Galway, which was not resumed when an area of 177 acres was acquired last year, has now been offered for sale privately, and if he will state if it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire now this remaining portion to relieve local congestion; and if not, why, in view of the fact that the area already allotted was not sufficient to increase the uneconomic holdings within a mile radius of the estate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Galway Lands.
The Land Commission in January, 1947, resumed portion of the holding of Mrs. Florrie Finney, containing 177 acres, in the townland of Oghilmore. There are no proceedings pending at present for the resumption of the balance of the holding.
Will the Minister inquire from his Department if it is a fact that Mrs. Finney was to reside on and work the 80 acres that were excluded when this land was resumed, and whether, in view of the fact that it has now been sold, the Land Commission will look further into the matter with a view to resuming the remainder?
I will bring the matter to the notice of the Land Commission.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the estate of the Earl of Harewood near Portumna, comprising several hundred acres of arable land and woodland, is now being offered for sale and if he will state if the Land Commission propose to take steps to have the estate acquired for the dual purpose of allotting the arable portion to suitable applicants and reafforesting the area under timber, a large amount of which is now old and decaying.
The Land Commission are aware that the estate of the Earl of Harewood near Portumna, County Galway, is being offered for sale. There are no proceedings to acquire the lands on this estate.
Can the Minister say whether it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire this estate or am I to take it that this last stronghold of the Clanricarde régime is to be left outside the scope of Land Commission activities?
Am I to take it that no recommendation has been made to the Minister's Department in the matter?
There are no proceedings to acquire the lands on this estate.
I can assure the Minister that representations were made to his Department in this connection.
In reply to Deputy Beegan I would say that the last inspection of this estate took place in 1934. That speaks for itself.
I understand that the Land Commission can make inspection within seven years afterwards.
I am quite sure that, if the Deputy will make representations to the Land Commission in the matter, they will act immediately on his representations.
I have already made representations to the Minister.
What about the Parliamentary Secretary?