asked the Minister for Lands what steps are being taken by the Land Commission to divide the land that has already been acquired by them in the parish of Garrafrauns, County Galway.
31.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Lands.
30.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the acute congestion in the parish of Garrafrauns, County Galway and of the amount of untenanted land in that parish; and what proposals he has for the acquisition and allocation of these lands to needy tenants.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 31 together.
The Land Commission have been endeavouring to relieve congestion in this district generally to the utmost extent practicable. Last March 20 holdings in the townland of Cloon-dergan were rearranged and enlarged, a pool of acquired lands aggregating 174 acres being utilised in the process. The amount sanctioned for expenditure on improvements in connection with this scheme amounted to over £16,000. It is hoped that rearrangement of some further holdings in the locality will be feasible this year.
An area of about 100 acres is currently the subject of inquiry by the Land Commission with a view to ascertaining its suitability for acquisition. Any further opportunities for obtaining land by way of either migration or acquisition for the relief of congestion in Garrafrauns will be fully examined as they arise.
32.
asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission did not acquire the Costello Estate, Ballinastack, Ballyglunin, County Galway.
This small holding of 14 acres in the townland of Ballynas-tuckaun was advertised for sale by public auction on 16 July, 1965, and arrangements were made to have an inspector bid for it on behalf of the Land Commission. It transpired, however, that the lands had been disposed of privately a few days before the auction.
33.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Commins Estate, Cloonkeen, Cummer, County Galway; and what he intends to do with the turbary on that estate.
34.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Blake Estate, Ballyglunin, County Galway; and when it will be divided.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 34 together.
While agreement has been reached with the owners for the purchase of these properties containing 243 acres and 672 acres respectively, the Land Commission are, as yet, in possession only under temporary lettings pending clearance of the owners' titles and final vesting of the lands. Preparation of schemes for disposal will be put in hands as soon as possible.
In connection with the disposal of some 65 acres of turbary on the Commins estate the claims of all deserving local applicants will be fully considered, and meanwhile those who had been accustomed to take turbary plots will be accommodated by means of seasonal lettings.
35.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Kilgarriff Estate, Corofin, County Galway.
Arrangements for the acquisition of 200 acres of this estate are nearing completion; price has been agreed and it is hoped to take possession at an early date.