asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position regarding the acquisition of portion of the Satchwell Estate, Creggs, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition in Galway.
31.
An objection to the acquisition of 291 acres of this estate by the Land Commission has been lodged by the owner; I am advised that the objection has been listed for public hearing next week.
32.
asked the Minister for Lands how much land has been acquired by the Land Commission (a) in County Galway and (b) in the country in general under the Land Act, 1950, whereby powers were conferred on the Land Commission to purchase lands in the open market.
Purchases for cash under Section 27, Land Act, 1950, are confined to lands offered for sale and required by the Land Commission to provide holdings for migrants or to facilitate rearrangement of lands held in rundale or intermixed plots.
To date, 341 acres in County Galway and 2,814 acres in the country generally have been finally purchased under Section 27.
In addition, agreement for the purchase of a further 351 acres has been reached and, of this area, possession of 259 acres is expected shortly.
What use has been made so far of this land for the purpose of placing more people on economic holdings?
I understand that one of the reasons why it was restricted was because its operation was suspended as an economy measure between July, 1956, and March, 1958.
Does it not appear from that that both Governments must share responsibility for the slowing-up of the relief of congestion?
I have given the Deputy the reply.