asked the Taoiseach whether, in connection with the deputation which he and the Minister for Lands received recently, he is in a position to make a statement in regard to (1) the purchase of land in the Midlands by aliens, and (2) the failure of the Land Commission to divide certain big farms in Laoighis and Offaly, and if he will state whether he has investigated the points raised by the deputation and what hopes he has that action will be taken to acquire for division the lands which were discussed at the meeting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
With regard to part (1) of the Deputy's question, so far as I have been able to ascertain, there have been four cases in the last five years of the purchase of land in the constituency of Laoighis-Offaly by persons who are not Irish citizens.
The answer to part (2) of the Deputy's question is in the form of a tabular statement, which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to have circulated with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
|
Estate |
Record No. |
County |
Area |
Lands |
Present Position |
||
|
a. |
r. |
p. |
|||||
|
Fisher now William Carter |
U.13585 |
Leix |
309 |
1 |
0 |
Timogue |
The lands have been inspected and valued and the Commissioners' decision will be obtained without delay. |
|
Former tenanted holding of PigottEstate S.5792.Mathias Moore. |
— |
Offaly |
343 |
2 |
34 |
Lumville |
The question of resuming this holding was considered but the Commissioners decided to take no action. |
|
Thomas S. Trench |
S.9815 |
Leix |
66 |
0 |
7 |
Ballybrittas |
The Commissioners have proceedings in progress for the acquisition of these lands. The question of price is now being dealt with and a notice fixing the price was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 23/10/'50. |
|
24 |
2 |
3 |
Tullaghan |
||||
|
123 |
0 |
33 |
Ballyshaneduff or |
||||
|
the Derries. |
|||||||
|
276 |
1 |
3 |
Bellegrove |
||||
|
Patrick Gowing |
S.9813 |
Offaly |
217 |
3 |
8 |
Ballyowen |
The Commissioners have proceedings in progress for the acquisition of these lands. An objection was lodged by the owner and a decision will be given at the next sitting of the Court. |
|
(Kilclonfert) |
|||||||
|
67 |
0 |
0 |
Ballyowen |
||||
|
(Phillipstown) |
|||||||
|
Michael Gowran |
S.9893 |
Offaly |
71 |
0 |
32 |
Forty Acres |
The Commissioners have proceedings in progress for the acquisition of these lands. The question of price is being dealt with. |
|
27 |
3 |
8 |
Clonearl Demesne |
||||
|
(Tenanted holding on I.L.C. BorEstate. S.5940).Michael Gowran. |
— |
Offaly |
106 |
1 |
21 |
Down |
The Commissioners have decided to apply to the Judicial Commissioner for an Order to resume this holding. |
|
Bridget O'Brien(Dooley Estate). |
U.14026 |
Offaly |
72 |
1 |
37 |
Mullaghlough of Cavemount. |
The Commissioners are having preliminary inquiries made regarding these lands. |
|
Michael and William Delaney |
S.9981 |
Offaly |
206 |
3 |
21 |
Cannakill |
The Commissioners have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of these lands. An objection to acquisition will be dealt with by the Commissioners at the next sitting of the Court. |
|
Reps. Marianne Fossitt |
S.9814 |
Offaly |
148 |
0 |
16 |
Kilbeg |
The Commissioners' proceedings for the acquisition of these lands are at an advanced stage. The price has been accepted and the fixing of a date for taking possession is the next step. |
|
Richard Gilleece |
S.9751 |
Offaly |
252 |
0 |
0 |
Cloonbullogue |
The Commissioners have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of these lands. An objection has been heard and the Commissioners' decision will be given at their next Court Sitting. |
|
Abraham Colton, deceased; now |
U.14400 |
Offaly |
178 |
1 |
36 |
Clooneen |
The Commissioners are having these lands inspected and valued. |
|
Mrs. Margaret A. Colton. |
179 |
1 |
10 |
Cloonagh |
|||
|
124 |
2 |
25 |
Mullagharush |
||||
|
Richard Mangan |
U.2928 |
Offaly |
143 |
2 |
13 |
Rathlumber |
Preliminary inquiries were made in 1949 regarding these lands, and the Commissioners decided that no action be taken. |
|
Peter J. Alley |
S.2536 |
Leix |
174 |
3 |
31 |
Kilcotton and Knockaroe. |
The Commissioners have proceedings in progress for the acquisition of these lands. Agreement on price was not reached and the price has been fixed and published by the Land Commission. |
|
Col. E. C. L. Bearcroft |
S.9816 |
Leix |
199 |
1 |
20 |
Ballybrittas |
The Commissioners have recently directed that proceedings be instituted for the acquisition of these lands. |
Is the Taoiseach aware that in the electoral areas of Luggacurran and Portlaoise, which adjoin each other, there are at least six such cases?
Is the Taoiseach further aware that in the parish of Ballybrittas we have six cases of the purchase of land by Englishmen, and that, in view of that position, local deserving applicants for land have been denied the land which was left by the Land Commission at the disposal of Englishmen?
I think that the second part of Deputy Flanagan's supplementary is a non sequitur—at least, it does not necessarily follow. If either Deputy Davin or Deputy Flanagan will furnish me with any particulars, I shall be glad to have them. As I have already pointed out in this House, there is no machinery available by which the statistics asked for can readily be obtained.
In view of the many complaints which are coming from constituencies other than that of Laoighis-Offaly, have the Government any legislation in view which will deal with the serious situation of the purchase of lands by aliens?
I think that matter has already been dealt with by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
Well, we will deal with it ourselves in Laoighis-Offaly.