asked the Minister for Lands what steps the Land Commission intend to take towards relieving congestion in the townland of Lisduff and neighbouring townlands near Ballindine, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Relief of Congestion in Mayo.
24.
A considerable amount of rearrangement and enlargement of holdings has been effected by the Land Commission over the years in this district but I have asked that efforts be continued to secure some additional land with a view to dealing with any congestion which may still obtain in the locality.
Is the Minister aware that the average valuations here are from £4 10s. to £5 10s.? This is one of the only villages in the locality where a child is being sent to school from every house. They are trying to maintain a living on a £5 valuation.
The information at my disposal is different from that suggested by the Deputy. The valuations of the congests concerned appear to be £12 1s., £11 12s., £10 0s. 10d., £9 11s., and £5 8s. The last man is working as an electric welder at the Tuam beet factory.
In view of the Minister's reply, I suggest his Department have given him wrong information, or else it is in regard to a townland of a similar name in another locality.
It is information supplied to me about this townland and the congests concerned.
25.
asked the Minister for Lands what steps the Land Commission are taking to relieve congestion in the townlands of Ballynastockagh and Carrickmacantire, County Mayo.
Whilst the Land Commission have no current proceedings for acquisition of lands in the townlands referred to, inquiries are being made in respect of two holdings aggregating 29 acres in the townland of Ballynastockagh. The possibility of acquiring another 23-acre holding in this townland was also investigated recently but it transpired that the lands had been purchased by a local smallholder.
Have the Land Commission any intention of effecting migrations in that area?
That is a separate question. All I can tell the Deputy at this stage is that there are two holdings in the area under consideration for acquisition.