asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that it is proposed to dispose of the Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry, County Wicklow; and, if so, if the Land Commission will consider the propriety of acquiring the estate for subdivision among small farmers in the area or for the relief of congested uneconomic holders in the West of Ireland; and if he will consider acquiring the house, woods and gardens for use as an old persons' home, public park and recreation centre for the people of Dublin and Dún Laoghaire.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Disposal of Powerscourt Estate (Enniskerry).
28.
I have seen a recent newspaper report which suggested no more than that a sale of this estate may be contemplated but there are no official dealings in connection with the property pending in my Department.
Could I ask the Minister if he will take steps to ensure that the Department are given an opportunity of considering the acquisition of this estate for the purposes laid down in the Question, before any acquisition is carried out by some private interests, particularly interests outside the country?
I am not in a position to say at the moment what portion of these lands, if any, would be suitable for purchase under my Department. I am aware that a large portion, including the substantial buildings, would be unsuitable for any dealings by my Department.
If the Minister is aware of what is unsuitable how is it that he is not aware of the amount that is suitable?
By reason of the mere fact that I have seen the place myself and I am not blind.
Perhaps the Minister would now consider sending the experts of his Department to view it so that they would be in a position to give him a still more accurate report as to what is suitable?
The matter, I am sure, will be examined.
Surely if the Minister is in any doubt at all about the desirability or the feasibility of this acquisition—it is a most important estate, it has a tremendous amenity value and is a very popular recreation centre for the people of Dublin—it seems to me that he should take steps to see that the Land Commission investigate its possibilities before it is acquired. Could he give us an assurance that the Land Commission will formally investigate it before it is taken over by foreign interests?
The question of the amenity value of this estate does not arise. It would not be of interest to my Department. My Department is concerned only with whatever portion of these lands is suitable for afforestation or the relief of congestion. I have informed the Deputy that while I am aware of the amenities of this estate I am quite satisfied that a big portion of it would be unsuitable.
Question 29.
May I remind the Minister that I did not confine myself to the amenity value——
Has the Deputy a question to put?
I should like again to ask the Minister if he will give an assurance that the Land Commission will investigate the various proposals whether for the relief of congestion in his own area or for division of this estate among small farmers in the area, or related to other amenities. Will he ask the Land Commission, or other Departments, to investigate the matter before the estate is handed over——
Question 29.
Would the Minister give that assurance?
I am calling Question 29.
Are the Government prepared to let this estate go to foreign interests?
The Chair has called the next Question.
That is why they want the Six Counties back, so that they can give them to foreign interests and to the British aristocracy.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
29.
andMr. Doherty asked the Minister for Lands whether the offer of 2,000 acres of land for forestry in the townland of Glenamong, Ballycroy, County Mayo, has yet been investigated; and, if so, with what result.
The area in question has been inspected. A substantial part of it is regarded as unplantable but it is hoped that some progress may be possible in regard to the remainder of the area. Further investigations are necessary before any definite decision can be reached in the case. These investigations will be expedited as much as possible.