asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that there is a considerable delay in dealing with applications under the land project in West Offaly; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Project Applications (West Offaly).
Mr. O'Higgins
As intimated by previous replies, there is not any undue delay in dealing with applications under the land reclamation scheme in West Offaly. I might mention, however,that in West Offaly, as in some other areas, there are limiting factors such as flooding caused by main rivers; and the prevalence of rock and dense scrub where the cost of clearing would be excessive and out of proportion to the value of the improvement which might be effected.
Mr. O'Higgins
Arising out of that reply, there has in fact been no flooding whatsoever, I am glad to say, in the County Offaly for the last 18 months or so. Despite that, applicants who were amongst the original applicants in the county, whose applications have been in since the scheme went into operation in the county, have still failed to get any work done. I could supply the Minister with the names of over 20 farmers who have failed to get any work done under the scheme and I do suggest that that is a matter that should be examined.
The district officers have given me the information which I have now conveyed to the Deputy, but I am bound to say that County Offaly was one of the last six counties brought into this scheme, in June, 1950.
Mr. O'Higgins
Yes, three years—a long time trying to get work done.