asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have yet reached a decision with regard to the acquisition of Mr. O'Dowd's lands, Cams, County Roscommon; and, if so, the nature of their decision.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Estates.
Proceedings have been instituted for the acquisition of these lands. An objection to acquisition has been lodged and is pending for hearing.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is now in a position to state when the Land Commission expect to have the rearrangement scheme on the Kyle estate, County Roscommon, completed.
The rearrangement of the outstanding townland on the Kyle estate could not be undertaken pending the outcome of proceedings for the resumption of two holdings required in connection with the rearrangement proposals. One of these holdings has been resumed and the proceedings in respect of the other one are nearing completion. The preparation of the rearrangement scheme cannot be put in hands until these latter proceedings have been completed.
Is the Minister aware that quite a number of small holders in that locality and on that estate are in a bad way for houses and at the present moment are very anxious to build them, but they are prevented from doing so until this rearrangement scheme is carried out on the Kyle estate? The Land Commission is in process of rearranging the Kyle estate for the last 15 or 20 years but have not yet accomplished it. Can the Minister give any indication that this matter is about to be brought to a head within the next 12 months so that the people may build the houses?
I can give no such undertaking, as the matter is the subject of court proceedings still. I do not know what the particular difficulties may be. The question of rearrangement is entirely dependent generally on the acquisition of additional land. If we could secure the consent of the occupiers to the rearrangement, failing the provision of the additional land, nobody would be more delighted than I; but, as the Deputy knows, the Land Commission strives in every way possible to secure additional land to improve the holdings before consolidating them and they cannot take up housing until there is a fair prospect of completing the job.