asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the acreage and holdings involved in and total amount expended on the purchase of lands under Section 27 of the Land Act, 1950, in each county.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Lands.
Particulars of all holdings purchased to date under Section 27 of the Land Act, 1950, are as follows:—
In Galway: 3 holdings, area 93 acres, costing £2,338. In Mayo: 9 holdings, area 206 acres, costing £3,965. In Roscommon: 7 holdings, area 280 acres, costing £9,848.
Does the Minister think the commissioners are making full use of the particular power given to them under the 1950 Act for the relief of congestion?
Having regard to the limitations on the purchase of holdings under Section 27 of the Land Act, 1950, that they must be purchased for migrants or for rearrangement, I think that a fair amount of progress has been made, though not as much as we would like. If the holdings are available, of course, in places where they would be serviceable, the Land Commission would be glad to make offers. I may add that reports were made in 54 cases and bids entered in 37 cases.
Would the Minister say if inspectors in the five counties in Connacht have instructions to report all cases that appear suitable?
I would need notice of that question.