asked the Minister for Lands the reasons for the delay in acquiring the Whyte Estate at Mount Prospect, Roscommon for division; and if he will take steps to expedite acquisition and division of it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of Roscommon Estate.
44.
I do not accept that there has been undue delay on the part of the Land Commission in their proceedings for the acquisition of this 170 acre property, having regard to the necessity for strict compliance with the statutes. An objection lodged by the owner was subsequently withdrawn. The proceedings are now nearing completion, agreement on price having been reached with the owner, and it is hoped to take possession quite soon, possibly in April. Pending completion of the necessary inquiries on the ground regarding the extent of local congestion it is not possible to forecast when a scheme of division can be planned.
Can the Minister state how it is that the remaining portion of this estate was divided in 1959?
I do not quite get the point of the Deputy's supplementary question. I have informed the Deputy that, as far as this particular portion of the property, comprising 170 acres, is concerned, legal objection was lodged by the owner which was subsequently withdrawn and agreement has now been reached with the owner for the acquisition of this particular portion.