asked the Minister for Lands the number of applications for allotments of land received from applicants resident in County Meath in the past five years, the number of applicants who have received allotments, and the number who have been turned down.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Meath Allotment Applicants.
52.
It is not the practice to keep a numerical record of applications for land. Indeed, in itself, such a record might not accurately reflect the number of really qualified claimants inasmuch as all eligible persons within the prescribed distance of acquired lands —irrespective of whether they have lodged a formal application or not— are automatically considered by the Land Commission for allotments.
Statistics on the lines requested, therefore, could be ascertained only by a detailed individual examination of the numerous estate files relating to County Meath for the period mentioned. As this would entail a disproportionate expenditure of official time, to divert staff specially for the purpose would not be warranted.
Out of a total of 262 allotments made by the Land Commission in County Meath, during the past five complete financial years, 185 were allotted to County Meath people.