asked the Minister for Lands if he will cause a further inspection and report to be made by the Land Commission with a view to the acquisition and division of the Trench Estate, Ballybrittas and Ballyshaenduff, County Laois (Record No. U 20681), having regard to the congestion prevailing in the district and to the many smallholders who desire additional land in order to make their holdings economic.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Estates.
57.
The Land Commission are not aware of any change of circumstances affecting this estate which would warrant a departure from their decision as set out in my reply to the Deputy's previous question on 30th January last.
58.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a deputation was received by the Land Commission on 8th April, 1964, in relation to the special circumstances concerning the Estate of Reps, M.E. Laying, County Laois (Record No. U.2216) with lands at Donore, Kilbricken and Castletrench; what suitable action, if any, the Land Commission have taken in regard to this holding, having regard to the fact that many local applicants have taken land by conacre on it for over 30 years; if the lands will now be acquired for division among the local people; if any recent inspection has been carried out; if the special claims of the conacre tenants and others have been fully considered; and, if so, with what results.
I am aware that a deputation was received by the Land Commission about this estate on 8th ultimo.
The question of acquiring these lands was fully considered by the Land Commission who decided, following an inspection made last November, to take no further action. I understand that the property, which is regarded as generally unsuitable for Land Commission purposes, has changed hands recently.
I might add that the representations made by the deputation on behalf of local smallholders were not confined solely to the estate in question. These representations are being considered by the Land Commission.