asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) the present position in relation to the Land Commission's proceedings to acquire the Welsh estate, Knocklong, County Limerick, and whether the negotiations have been completed, (b) the price agreed and (c) the acreage involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Limerick Lands.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the lands of Knocklong East containing 73 acres and Knocklong West containing 61 acres on the estate of Reps. William Walsh, deceased. Objections to acquisition were heard last month; the objection in respect of Knocklong West being allowed and in respect of Knocklong East being disallowed. The proceedings for Knocklong West have, therefore, terminated and the question of price in respect of Knocklong East has yet to be settled.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the date on which the Land Commission decided to take action in connection with the acquisition of the Lloyd estate, Cappamore, County Limerick, the developments which have since taken place, the price recommended to be paid, the acreage involved, and what is the present position.
In November, 1954, the Land Commission instituted proceedings for the acquisition of this estate comprising about 179 acres. In March, 1955, an objection to acquisition lodged by the owner was disallowed. On appeal the price was fixed by the Appeal Tribunal at £6,250 in March last. The Land Commission considered the price so fixed to be such as to render the purchase of the lands inexpedient and decided, pursuant to Section 24, Land Act, 1927, to withdraw from proceedings.
Is the Minister aware that very acute congestion exists in this area? Would he consider making representations to the Land Commission to reconsider their attitude, which appears to be that the price allowed by the tribunal was excessive and exorbitant?
I will bring the Deputy's remarks to the notice of the commissioners, but I think it is only right to say that the question of the fixation of price and the suitability of land acquired are matters confined by law to the commissioners. The Minister has no function. In this case the commissioners decided to withdraw from the proceedings because they thought the price would render acquisition of the lands inexpedient. However, I shall bring the Deputy's remarks to the notice of the commissioners.
I think the Minister said the acreage in question is 179 statute acres. I do not think the price asked was excessive. A farm of land of 143 statute acres was sold in Limerick the week before last by public auction for £7,200.
The Deputy may be under the impression that the price of the land in question is normal but, nevertheless, the commissioners are obliged by law, a law made in this House, to take into account the annuity which will be placed on the allottees ultimately. I have no doubt that they decided on the action they have taken in the best interests of the allottees.