asked the Minister for Lands if in view of the fact that it was confidently expected by local small farmers in the area that the Nathan Estate, Ardoyne, Tullow, County Wicklow would be divided this spring the Land Commission will now arrange the immediate division of this estate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Estate.
41.
Resale proposals for this substantial Estate are in course of formulation. It is not at present possible to indicate when allotment will be feasible but there will be no avoidable delay.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the local farmers fully expected that this land would be divided earlier this year and was an indication not given that it would be divided?
I assure the Deputy the matter will be expedited.
Do I take it that the small farmers, who confidently expected that the division of this land would have taken place before now, can be given an assurance that this land will be made available to them?
I cannot give any assurance of that nature. All I can say is that the matter will be expedited.
The farm in question, if offered for sale, would realise up to £25 an acre. I understand that quite an amount of sugar beet is produced in that area and that accordingly the value of that type of land would be a lot more than £25 an acre. Do we take it that the money is not required?
It is intended to prepare an appropriate scheme which at the moment is in course of planning. The land was only acquired by the Land Commission on 6th May, 1960.