asked the Minister for Lands (a) whether the Land Commission considered the propriety of acquiring the Dunleavy lands (formerly Sweeney) at Coolcran, Ballina, (b) whether they have decided to review the position regarding these lands in March of next year, and, if so, what is the basis for that decision; (c) if they are aware that, at the moment, a dwelling-house is being erected on these lands, which, in the ordinary course of events, will be completed before March of next year, and that the completion of the house will make acquisition more difficult, and (d) whether there is congestion in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Estate.
The answer to (a) and (b) of the Deputy's question is yes, but it is not the practice of the Land Commission to disclose the reasons for their decisions. The Land Commission are aware that a dwelling-house is being erected on the lands but since these lands were vested a considerable time ago the Land Commission have no power to prevent the owner from erecting a house. The Deputy can rest assured that the Land Commission will have regard to this as well as other aspects of the case in their consideration of it. I am informed by the Land Commission that there is not widespread congestion in the immediate locality but there are some uneconomic holders.