asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what steps have been taken by the Land Commission towards acquiring the French estate in the townland of Clooniquin, County Roscommon, for the relief of congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Estate Acquisition.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of this estate but are having inquiries made.
Is the Minister aware that this particular farm of land was put up for public auction on the 12th February last? Is he further aware that approximately four or five years ago the Land Commission were about to take proceedings against the owner of these lands but that the owner at the time told the Land Commission he intended to reclaim the land and to drain it, for which purpose he got quite a considerable amount of money through the land project? Having brought the land back into proper condition and increased the value of the land he is now about to sell it in small lots to private purchasers although it should rightfully be given to the small congests who are in the locality.
The Deputy is making a long speech on the question.
I am aware of the fact, and I think the Land Commissioners are also, that the land has been put up for sale by public auction, that the auction has proved abortive, and that there is a report that the owner has sold part of the land by private treaty. As I have already told the Deputy, the commissioners are having further inquiries made in this matter and a report will no doubt be obtained from the inspector with the least possible delay.