asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the efforts of Westmeath County Council to purchase the cow park at Kilbeggan for use by local inhabitants have failed through a defect in the title; and that it is now known that the park is being purchased by a foreigner; whether he has powers under the Land Acts to prevent this sale; and, if so, whether he will do so and enable the local inhabitants to retain the use of the park which they have had for over 50 years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath Cow Park.
14.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his previous question on 14th June, 1966 regarding this 27-acre property near the village of Kilbeggan.
A sale of the lands to a person who is not a qualified person within the meaning of section 45 of the Land Act, 1965, would be subject to the consent of the Land Commission. No application for such consent has been received.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the tenants of this cow park not alone got grazing for the cows for the past 50 years at a nominal sum but got employment as well? Is he further aware that Westmeath County Council made every effort to purchase this park on behalf of the cow keepers? The deal was broken up due to what we were told was bad title. Would the Minister now look into this matter and acquire this park for those people?
As I pointed out in reply to the Deputy's question, which refers to the purchase of this estate by a foreigner, such a transaction would be subject to the consent of the Land Commission and nothing can be done about it until application for such consent is received in the Land Commission. I shall bring the remarks of the Deputy to the attention of the Minister.
If it is found that this cow park is freehold, will sanction still have to be obtained from the Land Commission?
Surely yes?
I am afraid I cannot answer that.