asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that, following the acquisition of the estate of the Earl of Harewood at Portumna, the Portumna Development Company Limited acquired from his Department a small portion of the estate as a sports field and recreation ground; that shortly after this acquisition the local residents decided that the site was unsuitable and that a much more suitable site was available on the estate and in the hands of the Land Commission; that petitions and other representations, including representations made by a deputation from the locality asking to have an alternative site given by the commission have been refused, and if he will further consider the matter, if necessary in consultation with representatives of the locality, with a view to assisting this community to develop local amenities in the most satisfactory way, and if, alternatively, he will state the reason for the commission's refusal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Earl of Harewood Estate.
The alternative site mentioned by the Deputy is not held by the Land Commission but by the forestry division which provided the original site on representations from the development company. The original site was chosen by a director of the company and appears reasonably suitable for a sports field.
No good grounds have been advanced in support of the more recent plea for an exchange of sites and the forestry division which has no functions in regard to the provision of sports fields is not disposed to entertain the proposal.
The alternative site is part of an existing cow park.
Does the Minister understand that there is a general desire in the neighbourhood to make a better arrangement for a sports field and showground than has been made and can he say if any special plans or any plans of any kind of the Forestry Department would be likely to be interfered with, if there was an exchange of ground?
I am advised by the forestry division that we may require this ground, for housing, for example, at some time in the future. Portumna should be an important forestry centre, as the Deputy knows, and it is possible that the question of providing housing accommodation for employees may arise. Apart from that, however, may I point out that, when this place was taken over in June, 1948, at the request of the local people themselves, the present arrangement was made? For reasons which seem to me to be inadequate, they now want to take an existing cow park, which would involve amongst other things depriving people of the use of the cow park, on the ground that the new site would be more convenient to the village. I have not been convinced so far that the case that has been made is sufficiently strong to warrant making the exchange.
With a view to finally clearing the air and taking some kind of official decision in the matter, would the Minister go into the question personally and give an opportunity to the local representatives to meet both himself and the representatives of the forestry division in order to bring this matter to a conclusion so that, for good or ill, the agitation and the longings that have developed will be put to rest? I am sure the Minister understands that this is causing serious local friction and the dissipation of effort at the present time.
I have been acquainted with the position for some time past. The various representatives have been met. I think I met a deputation representing the body which is interested and I have had frequent discussions with the representatives of the forestry division in connection with the matter. I do not think that the development company are well advised to pursue the matter further. A decision has been given—that is the position — and I cannot see my way to altering the decision.
Will the Minister say whether, when he received that deputation, he had before him the final statement of the forestry division's requirements and whether they were put before the local representatives?
I could not say. We discussed the matter fairly generally in a friendly way.