asked the Minister for Lands what is the position in so far as the Land Commission are concerned in regard to the Abbott Estate, Ballyphilip, Roscrea, County Offaly; if he is aware that the Land Commission had this 135-acre estate under consideration for division among the very many local smallholders and deserving applicants for land; that it is now reported that this estate has been sold privately to an outsider; if the Land Commission will now take steps to institute proceedings for the acquisition of these lands for the local people, either by purchase or by compulsory acquisition, as there is genuine congestion existing in the area where keen disappointment is felt by the many smallholders and needy applicants for land, some of whom have to pay high prices for meadowing, grazing and tillage by conacre; and if the Land Commission will take immediate action having regard to the special circumstances of this case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Offaly Estate.
15.
Recent efforts by the Land Commission to purchase this property on a voluntary basis proved unsuccessful. The question as to what further action should be taken is under examination and the Deputy's representations in the matter will be brought to the notice of the Land Commission.