asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the estate of Mr. Hugh Cassidy at Finner, County Donegal; and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition and Division of Lands.
Proceedings have been instituted for the acquisition of this estate and are well advanced.
asked the Minister for Lands if representations have been made to the Land Commission as to the propriety of acquiring and distributing amongst the uneconomic holders and landless men in the area the farm of 300 acres, now let in grazing, held by Mr. Kelly Burke, Bollivan, Boston, County Clare; and, if so, whether he is now in a position to state what decision the Land Commission has reached on the matter.
asked the Minister for Lands if representations have been made to the Land Commission as to the propriety of acquiring a non-residential farm of 300 acres of land held by Mr. Hynes at Derren, Boston, County Clare; and, if so, whether he is now in a position to state the decision reached on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will take together Questions Nos. 17 and 18.
Both these cases are in the same position. Representations were made a short time ago for the acquisition of the estates and initial inquiries are being made. It is not possible to state at this stage what the outcome will be.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the progress made in the acquisition of the lands of Miss C. Mylotte and Mr. J.H. Bleahan at Ardour, Kilconley, County Galway.
The proceedings for the acquisition of the Mylotte estate have reached the stage of price negotiation. In the other case an objection to acquisition has been disallowed, but a recent application by the owner for an exchange of holdings has to be considered.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the progress made in the negotiations for the acquisition of the Diskin lands at Newtown (Lynott) (Ref. A. & R. 14279/45), County Galway, and when these negotiations commenced.
Negotiations were opened in 1948 with a view to providing Mr. Diskin with an exchange of holdings. He has since been offered different holdings on two occasions and he refused each. The second offer was only recently refused.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have decided to acquire the lands of Ardfry, County Galway, the property of Lady Wallscourt; and, if so, what steps have been taken in the matter.
Proceedings for the acquisition of these lands are in the final stages.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have decided to acquire the lands of Seaford, County Galway, the property of Mrs. Starr; and, if so, what steps have been taken in the matter.
I presume that this question refers to the lands of Marshallspark and Treanlaur, occupied by Mrs. Keaven and Mr. Keane, respectively. The Land Commission have no proceedings for the resumption of either of these holdings.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of putting into operation a scheme for the division of the Henry estate, Aughlahand, Lacken, Strokestown; and, if so, with what result.
A scheme for the allotment of this estate will not be prepared until the question of the resumption of adjoining land has been decided by the Land Commission.
That answer was given to me 12 months ago.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of dividing the Rockville estate, County Roscommon, for the purpose of relieving the acute congestion in the locality; and, if so, with what result.
A comprehensive scheme of allotment for this estate and other lands in the area is in course of preparation.
It is doubtful if the work can be completed in time for allotment this spring.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether a scheme for the division of the Levinge estate, Newpark, Kiltoom, has been prepared; and, if so, when this scheme is likely to be put into operation.
Possession has not yet been obtained of this estate and a scheme of allotment has not been prepared.
Will the Minister say whether it is intended to acquire or take possession of this estate in the near future?
It is.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the progress made by the Land Commission towards the rearrangement of the townland of Moneenbeg on the Tredennick estate, County Roscommon.
The townland in question is only one of many on this estate which require attention by the Land Commission. There are 435 holdings involved and many of these are in need of rearrangement.
The activities of the Land Commission are largely devoted to the work of rearrangement and the Tredennick estate will be dealt with as soon as possible.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have got possession of the lands of Mr. Patrick Flannery (of Milltown) (Record No. 3260), situate at Corralea, Quintin Dick estate; and, if so, whether he will state the reason for the delay in subdividing these lands.
Possession of these lands was obtained recently. I am not aware of any delay in this case.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission have taken any steps or have decided to take steps to acquire the holding at present in the ownership of the Department of Agriculture known as Brownsbarn, Clondalkin, for distribution amongst suitable applicants.
The Land Commission have taken no decision regarding the acquisition of these lands.
Do they intend to take it over?
That is a matter for the commissioners.
Have they received any petition in that connection?
The Deputy is asking for very confidential information about the commissioners.
Surely it is not confidential information if local people petition the Land Commission to have lands acquired; surely that should be published?
A petition to have the lands acquired?
Yes.
The question of these lands is solely one for the commissioners, and that question has been brought to their notice.
Would the Minister say if they intend taking any action?
I cannot say what the commissioners intend to do in that or any other case.
The Minister then has indicated that they intend to consider the petition which has been lodged with them for the acquisition of these lands?
I presume so. There, again, that is a matter for the commissioners.
It is a matter for the commissioners in regard to all these matters as well as this.
But it is a matter solely within the jurisdiction of the commissioners.
Will the Minister say if the Land Commission will proceed in regard to this holding as they would proceed in regard to any other holding owned by a private individual?
While I would have every forbearance with new Deputies, Deputy Smith must know very well the exact powers and functions of the commissioners. His questions are just quibbling.
Questions are being asked and answered here by the Minister indicating what the attitude of the Land Commission is towards certain holdings all over the country. I am now asking the Minister if it is the intention of the commissioners to proceed in regard to this State-owned farm in the same way as they would proceed in regard to a farm owned by a private person.
That is purely a matter for the commissioners. Once a question of acquisition has been raised, every single step of the many to be taken in regard to the acquisition or resumption of these or any other lands is one entirely handed over by this House, by law, to the commissioners and what the intention of the commissioners is in regard to any particular case I cannot tell. The commissioners cannot tell until they decide on the merits of the case.
May I take it that they will treat this holding in the same way as an application for the acquisition of any other holding?
That is a matter for the commissioners. I am anxious to give the Deputy all the information I can.
The Minister has already answered 13 such questions to-day.