asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that many large land holders in county Meath have allowed large tracts of their estates to go derelict or have let them by conacre for two years to speculators for wheat ranching; and whether, in view of the many uneconomic land holders near these estates, whose sons and daughters must emigrate for want of land, the Land Commission will inspect the estates and have them reduced and brought into line with national needs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Estates.
In County Meath, acquisition and resumption proceedings are at present pending in respect of 1,263 acres. In addition, 702 acres are the subject of negotiation or inquiries with a view to purchase. If the Deputy has some individual estates in mind, they will be investigated by the Land Commission on receipt of particulars.
Is the Minister aware that the former Minister for Agriculture gave specific figures in this House in connection with lands that were being let for wheat ranching? Would he study the Official Report, where he will get full information with regard to the amount of land that has been sublet for wheat ranching over the last four or five years?
That would seem to be a completely separate matter.
The Minister said that he had no information in the matter.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the total acreage of land acquired by the Land Commission on the Murray estate at Tangeragee, Enfield, County Meath; whether a scheme is already completed; how the land will be apportioned between local people and migrants; and when it is likely to be allotted.
The area acquired by the Land Commission on this estate is 180 acres. As proposals for the disposal of the estate have not yet been settled, it is not possible to indicate at present when or to whom the lands will be allotted.