asked the Minister for Lands whether, further to his reply to a question on the 31st January last concerning the Anderson estate, Timahoe, County Laoighis, he will state whether these lands have since been inspected; and, if so, what decision has been reached as a result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Laoighis Lands.
The Land Commission had this case noted for inspection. In view of local intimidatory action as reported in the daily Press, the Land Commission have now decided not to take any action for the present regarding the lands.
Surely the Minister is not serious when he states in this House that he relies on the public Press for his information?
We do not rely entirely on the public Press but I mentioned it in case members of the House might not be satisfied if I were to say that it was on private information. It is a matter of general knowledge that there has been intimidation in the area.
Would the Minister be prepared to receive a deputation of the Deputies representing the constituency, in view of the fact that we may be in a position to ease-off the hard feelings which are prevailing in the district? Further, would the Minister be prepared to consider meeting the local people in the matter with a view to presenting the case to the Land Commission for whatever immediate consideration would be necessary?
If the Deputies wish to see me they can communicate with me, but it comes with a certain amount of surprise to me that Deputy Flanagan is entitled to speak for any other Deputy except himself.
Pending the reception of a deputation, will the Minister, in view of the fact that certain court proceedings are pending, reserve his decision and ask the Land Commission to do likewise?
I think Deputies ought to exercise their influence in favour of law and order.
We always do.
Yes, if you do the same.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will ascertain whether the Land Commission have decided to inspect the lands on the De Vesci estate at Farmleigh, Abbeylaoighis, County Laoighis, where there is great local congestion and where there are many applicants for land; and if he will inquire whether an early report will be made with a view to the division of this estate amongst the many local applicants.
The Land Commission have no proposals for the acquisition of these lands and have decided not to inspect them.
In view of the fact that the De Vesci estate is the only available estate which can relieve local congestion, surely the Minister cannot think it unreasonable to request the Land Commission even to consider the question of relieving local congestion and obtaining a report on the local circumstances?
So far back as 1934 the commissioners directed that no action be taken in respect of these lands.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what progress has been made with a view to the division of the Cox estate, Roskeen, Kilcurran, Geashill, County Laoighis, amongst the local applicants; further, if he will state if this estate has been inspected, and what the present position is concerning proceedings for acquisition, in view of the great local congestion in the area.
The Land Commission made inquiries regarding this estate and decided not to take any action for the present for the acquisition of the lands.