asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the up-to-date position relative to the Ballinoulart and Ballywalker Estates in County Wexford.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Estates.
The proceedings for the acquisition of these lands terminated last month when the Land Commission, pursuant to Section 24 of the Land Act, 1927, withdrew from proceedings, the price fixed by the Appeal Tribunal being such as to render the purchase of the lands inexpedient.
Would the Minister indicate if any negotiations took place subsequent to the fixing of the price with a view to a compromise price being obtained? The Minister will appreciate that this estate has been under consideration for a great many years and prior to the acquisition by the Land Commission I understand it was possible to get a private sale which was stopped as a result of the Land Commission inquiry. I believe it would still be possible for the Land Commission to negotiate and to divide up this very valuable and fertile land.
The facts are not as the Deputy states. The price fixed by the Appeal Tribunal was not considered acceptable. However, I shall convey the information of the Deputy to the Land Commission in regard to the possibility of a voluntary purchase.
Would it not be possible to have further negotiations in connection with this land? There are about 900 acres of land and plenty of people prepared to take it over. Surely it would stop people emigrating?
It has always been the proprietor who offered land to the Land Commission. The Land Commission has to be extremely careful in its attitude towards such proceedings.
I am only suggesting perhaps the Minister would like to negotiate. He would probably still get the land.
But the Land Commission must have some intimation from the owners that they are prepared to offer the land voluntarily. Otherwise the whole principle governing the Land Commission legislation falls to the ground.
Negotiate the price.
That also involves a voluntary act on the part of the proprietor.
asked the Minister for Lands if his Department intends to utilise the arable portion of the Courtown estate offered for the purpose for which it is most suitable.
The Courtown estate was acquired by the Forestry Division of my Department in April, 1956. Parts of the estate, comprising in all about 87 acres, are classified as arable or semi-arable, and a number of proposals regarding the utilisation of these areas are at present under consideration.