asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the unusually large number of holdings of land coming on the commercial market in the counties of Longford and Westmeath; and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of Longford and Westmeath Lands.
22.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question in relation to County Galway by Deputy Carty yesterday.
For the Deputy's information, I can say that in counties Longford and Westmeath at present, some 19 properties aggregating over 3,600 acres are the subject of acquisition proceedings by the Land Commission, while agreement has recently been reached for the purchase of a further four properties aggregating 1,085 acres under Section 27, Land Act, 1950.
Is the Minister not aware that the farms referred to in Deputy Carter's question which are coming on the market are being bought up by speculators in order to have this land in their possession prior to the enactment of the new legislation the Minister says he is preparing? Did the Minister envisage that this land, which he must realise has been set over the years in many cases, will be used in such a way that it is going out of the frying pan into the fire and will not be available to the Department of Lands for the relief of congestion in the areas concerned? What steps will the Minister take to make an announcement which will frighten off these speculators and prevent them at this stage from getting land from people who are selling in the belief that they will get a better price now than if they waited for the Land Commission?
I do not know the details of the holdings referred to. I have said already that if as a result of my statement land is passing into the hands of people who will make full use of it, that would be in accordance with my policy and the policy of the Government. I have already pointed out to the House that if the people who purchased these lands are unsuitable and the lands are in congested areas, irrespective of their user, the Land Commission can acquire them for the relief of congestion.
Mr. Donnellan
What did the Minister say is the exact acreage acquired under the 1950 Act?
In the county referred to, 1,085 acres were purchased under Section 27 of the 1950 Act.
Mr. Donnellan
I hope the Minister will not forget what he said about that Act when it was passing through the House.
What I said in 1950 still holds.
Mr. Donnellan
It does not hold, according to the Minister's reply.
When bringing in the new Land Act, I shall have to counter the effects of the 1950 Act.
Mr. Donnellan
I hope it will come soon.
It was useful when money was provided to operate it, which the Deputy's Government did not do.