andMr. Kitt asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in general terms the programme of the Land Commission for the allocation of lands by them in County Galway for the next two years where no serious difficulties in regard to consents to rearrangement exist.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Allocation of Galway Lands.
55.
Apart from bog, mountain and waste land, the Land Commission have on hands in County Galway some 4,000 acres of arable land. This area does not include remnants of estates of the former Congested Districts Board the comparatively small arable content of which will be utilised mainly in connection with rearrangement schemes. The Land Commission hope to allocate the bulk of the 4,000 arable acres mentioned during the next two years. It would not be possible to say what additional lands may become available for allotment during this period. At present, however, proceedings are in progress for the acquisition or resumption of 2,700 acres in the county.
I might add that during the two year period ended 31st March, 1958, a total area of 11,300 acres was distributed in County Galway amongst 500 allottees and, already this year, a further area of 4,800 acres has been disposed of in 90 allotments.
The area allotted during the two years ended 31st March, 1958, represents 138 per cent. of the average two-yearly intake of land in the county during the last ten years.