asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission propose to allocate the lands in their possession in the parish of Ahabog, County Monaghan, some of which have been going wild during the years they have been in their hands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Lands.
36.
The lands in question consist of four separate properties, comprising some 250 acres, which were taken over by the Land Commission between May, 1965, and March, 1967. I am aware that the lands are in need of rehabilitation and, to that end, substantial expenditure totalling £4,000 has been authorised for mole drainage, liming and manuring. Until such time as this work has been carried out it is not possible to forecast when schemes of division can be planned. It is expected that the work will be put in hands early next year.
The Parliamentary Secretary is aware that some of the lands have been in the possession of the Land Commission for two years? Is he aware that this is a very congested area? Some of the lands have not even been let, not to mind divided. Can he say definitely that they will be divided not later than the financial year beginning 1st April next?
We can take it that, as all the land was acquired between 1965 and 1967, the Land Commission were probably waiting until they had it all acquired to deal with the division. As I pointed out, the land is in need of rehabilitation and I am sure that, when this work is done, the land will be divided as quickly as possible.
We may assume that this will be done in the course of the financial year? The Parliamentary Secretary mentioned Spring next year.
The work will be put in hands next Spring.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary give any forecast when the division will ensue on the rehabilitation work? Rehabilitation early next year?
Yes.
When would the Parliamentary Secretary anticipate division? This is an area from which there is great emigration and the object is to try to get the people to stay at home. If you make their holdings economic——
I am afraid I cannot forecast when the land will be divided. As I said before, work is being put in hands early in Spring and I am sure it will be carried out as quickly as possible.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider the desirability of preparing a scheme of allocation so that those who will ultimately get the land when it has been rehabilitated will have that sense of security, that their holdings are going to be enlarged, and which might induce them to carry on rather than abandon their uneconomic holdings?
I am sure the Land Commission have this in mind.
Perhaps the Parliamentary Secretary would direct their attention to that proposal.