asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the Walpole Estate, Castlenode, Strokestown, County Roscommon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Estate.
39.
I understand that the Land Commission have made an offer for the purchase of this 259 acre property which is currently on the market and that they are awaiting the outcome.
Is the Minister aware that a purchaser has stepped in in the meantime and in view of this altered situation, will he request the Land Commission, in view of the desirability of building up a reserve of land to implement Government policy in regard to the relief of congestion in the West, to ensure that this holding will not pass into hands other than those of the Land Commission?
I am aware that the estate is on the market. I am not aware that another purchaser has stepped in.
Oh, yes.
Even so, the Deputy will appreciate that this is a case in which the Land Commission, if they are to succeed, will have to succeed on the basis of voluntary sale. It is not a case, from the information at my disposal, in respect of which compulsory proceedings would be successful.
Is it not a fact that if an individual who already has a substantial amount of land should purchase this land, the Land Commission, in the interests of small holders, could then compulsorily acquire the land and have the matter dealt with in the Land Court?
I am afraid the Deputy is under a misapprehension, as far as the law is concerned. Where the "adequates" sections apply, that is, where land is properly worked and appropriate employment given, the Land Commission cannot exercise compulsory powers. If a sale takes place before the Land Commission take steps for compulsory proceedings on the grounds to which I have referred, there is nothing the Land Commission can do, unless the new owner fails to operate the lands successfully. That is my understanding.
Just to clarify the point. I appreciate that the land was being worked excellently, and so forth, and difficulty might arise, but where a new purchaser stepped in, is it not possible for the Land Commission to issue an acquisition notice in such a case where new ownership could be established?
I am afraid not, until the law is amended, unless the new owner proves unsatisfactory. If he satisfies what we call the "adequates" sections, he must get a chance. If he fails, of course, that is another matter.