asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the cause of the delay in acquiring the commonage offered to the Forestry Branch by the tenants in Kinclare, Caltra, County Galway.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Galway Commonage.
The delay in taking over these lands which my Department agreed to purchase a number of years ago is due to the fact that the solicitors for one of the five co-owners has so far failed to furnish evidence of title to his share of the lands. Until this has been done the sale cannot be completed.
Is the Minister aware that in the Clonbrock forest adjacent to this land five men have recently been laid off, some of whose forefathers were on that estate for years. In addition, a timekeeper, a married man with nine in family, who lives in a labourer's cottage, has been reduced in status. I have been informed by the local tenants that they have agreed for years to give this up voluntarily. If the people are willing to give it up, could anything be done to expedite the matter so that these men who have been laid off or reduced could be reestablished in their jobs?
I shall ask the Department of Forestry to investigate the matter, but as far as I know this question has still to be settled.
It is a long time going on.