asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position in regard to the Land Commission proceedings to acquire the Ward holding, Micknagh, Killoe, County Longford, and when it will be divided.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
The Land Commission obtained possession of this estate a few days ago. Though it is difficult to be certain, there is a possibility that the lands may be allotted this season.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission propose to allot the Woodville estate, Dring, Granard, among small holders in the area.
The needs of deserying small holders in the locality will be fully considered when this estate becomes available for allotment.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the lands of John Clarke, Derrygeel, Lanesboro (Ref. No. A. & R. 11683/54), and, if so, with what result.
The Land Commission instituted proceedings for the acquisition of these lands in Febraury, 1954, but, on reconsideration, they have decided to discontinue the proceedings.
The Minister is aware that I tabled a question regarding this estate on the 18th November last and I expected that the Land Commission would at least reply and let me know the present position. I had to put down a question to obtain these facts from the Minister. It is very strange that a local inspector could go to this appellant and tell him that it was through Fine Gael influence that the Land Commission had decided to shelve the acquisition.
That is not asking a question.
Does the Deputy say an inspector told the appellant that?
Yes. I put down a question on the 18th November last concerning the acquisition of these lands and in the meantime it seems the Land Commission arrived at a decision but I was not informed of their decision by letter as I should be.
The Deputy might ask a question.
It is not the custom for the Land Commission to inform Deputies of their decision in cases like that unless the Deputy writes in specifically on the subject.
I wrote in specifically. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I propose to raise the subject-matter of Question No. 25 on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission propose to rearrange the holdings in the Gortnatra district, Kerrykeel, County Donegal.
The position in Gortnatra South has altered radically in the last few months and the need for rearrangement has been lessened. The Land Commission do not propose to take any action in the matter.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission are aware of the acute congestion which exists in the Kiltullagh electoral division, County Roscommon, and, if so, what action they propose to take in the matter.
Proceedings are in progress for the acquisition or resumption of ten holdings in the congested parts of Kiltullagh; if and when these holdings become available they will form the basis of a number of schemes for the rearrangement and resettlement of congested holdings.
I understand the Minister to state that ten holdings are likely to be acquired in this area. Is he aware that two years ago I drafted a similar question in connection with this electoral division pointing out to the Minister that in one portion alone there are over 400 holdings, 348 of which are £5 and under in valuation? Does he seriously suggest that the basis for settling that problem is the acquisition of ten miserable holdings in the locality?
The Land Commission have other land besides the ten holdings mentioned. The ten holdings of which I informed the Deputy are the subject of their present action and much more land than that will have to be got to settle this area.
In view of the fact that many people in this locality are living in very bad houses and are not going to build new houses because constant hope is being held out to them that they will get a change of holding, would the Minister not consider it is a matter of urgency so that fresh dwellings may be made available for these people? Does that nod of the head mean yes or no?
It means that I take note of the Deputy's request for urgency.