asked the Minister for Lands whether the commonage at Laragan, Barnahowna, Tourmakeady, County Mayo, has been offered to his Department for forestry purposes, whether the offer has been accepted, and, if not, why not.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offer of Mayo Commonage for Forestry.
The commonage referred to is on offer for forestry purposes and the offer has been accepted by my Department, who have reached agreement on price with all the 14 commonage holders.
Acquisition has been delayed by the difficulty of proving title and the position has been further complicated by the death of two of the commonage holders. As the proceedings were already far advanced before the recent forestry legislation, I am reluctant to commence de novo under the new Act, but if the existing difficulties cannot be overcome otherwise, the Act will enable them to be cleared.