asked the Minister for Lands if he will state how much of the Murtagh estate. Rooske, Dunboyne, which was in the possession of the Land Commission, was sold to Mr. Galway-Greer; further, if he will state whether the remaining portion is still in the possession of the Land Commission, and, if so, when it is expected to be allotted to deserving cottage tenants and uneconomic holders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Meath Estates.
The Land Commission did not acquire a Murtagh estate in this area. Perhaps the Deputy has in mind the Higgins estate at Rusk and Castlefarm, which appears to have been purchased privately by Mr. Galway-Greer. The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of these lands.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the Land Commission have let for grazing to large landholders the Arthur Harmon estate at Summerbank, Oldcastle, County Meath, and that around this estate there are many uneconomic holders and cottage tenants who are denied grazing accommodation for their cows and if, in view of this undesirable situation, the Land Commission will arrange that grazing rights will be afforded to these people on the remaining portion of the estate not yet let for grazing.
Part of the lands in question were recently let in grazing and tillage by public auction. An area of some 35 acres remains to be let in grazing by the auctioneer and it is open to any persons requiring grazing accommodation to bid for this letting. There is little or no congestion in the area.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state why Mr. Fintan Mongey, Stackallen, Navan, County Meath, an uneconomic holder whose land adjoins the Myles estate, and who has made repeated application to have his farm made economic was ignored and not interviewed by the local inspector dealing with the Myles estate and if the Land Commission will now ensure that this uneconomic holder has his case examined with a view to making his farm economic.
The Mongey family was interviewed by the Land Commission inspector when he was preparing the scheme for the allotment of this estate. Mr. Mongey, Senior, then held two holdings comprising 44 acres of P.L.V. £39 5s. od. His son Fintan did not hold any land. Mr. Mongey subsequently transferred one of his holdings of 18 acres to Fintan who then applied for an enlargement. The commissioners were aware of these circumstances when sanctioning the scheme, and I see no reason why they should reconsider their decision in the matter.