asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a public auction of conacre lettings was held recently on the Barry Estate, Lusmagh, Banagher, County Offaly; if it is a fact that only two days' notice of the auction was given to the public, and that the conditions of sale provided that for the last month of letting only one beast per acre would be allowed, that no sheep or horses would be allowed to graze the lands during the letting period and that the purchaser was to keep all fences and to cut weeds, etc.; and if he considers such short notice sufficient and the conditions reasonable, having regard to the fact that most land owners in the area keep sheep.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Estate: Auction of Conacre Lettings.
18.
This auction was held on Monday the 24th April for the purpose of making grazing—not conacre—lettings on this estate. As the auction was advertised by posters on Wednesday the 19th April and also announced in the local paper on Thursday the 20th April, it is incorrect to say that only two days' notice was given.
The conditions restricting grazing during the final month of the letting and also requiring maintenance of fences and cutting of noxious weeds are standard provisions in Land Commission grazing letting agreements.
Whilst these lands were offered by the auctioneer for cattle grazing only, he made it clear that the grazing of sheep and horses could be undertaken by lettees at their own risk. Having regard to the nature of these lands, such a stipulation was essential.
Is the Minister aware that the local paper containing this advertisement usually appears on Saturday and is dated for Saturday? Many people do not get the paper until they go into either Birr or Banagher on Saturday. The auction was held on the following Monday. Further, is the Minister aware that I am reliably informed by those concerned in the area that they did not see any posters advertising the auction? In view of that, will the Minister take steps to see in the case of future auctions that ample time is given to everybody in the area?
I am aware that the local paper, as is the case with most local papers, came out on Thursday, 20th April, although dated for the following Saturday. I am further aware that there were over 30 people present at this auction. I can only suggest to the Deputy that the bush telegraph must be fairly effective down there.