asked the Minister for Lands whether the Irish Land Commission propose to acquire the Speares estate in Glaslough, County Monaghan, inspection of which was carried out more than twelve months ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Estate.
29.
Proceedings for the acquisition of this 95 acre property have been going on for some time. An objection lodged on behalf of the owner has been disallowed and negotiations on price are now taking place.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us any indication from his previous experience as to how long these negotiations are likely to continue? As he is probably aware, pretty protracted negotiations have gone on, on the representation that the owner was resident on the premises when it was very doubtful if he ever was.
As I am sure the Deputy is aware, proceedings were instituted for the acquisition of this estate, and an objection was lodged. The objection was heard and the decision was deferred on a couple of occasions, and finally the objection was disallowed. There are certain difficulties in relation to the negotiations but, as we have mentioned here, an effort is being made to agree on price. I just cannot say how much longer this will take, but I am sure the Land Commission will proceed as quickly as possible.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary direct the attention of the Land Commission to the fact that the nature of the objection they have had to consider heretofore would strongly suggest that a delaying action is in operation in regard to this estate and that the price matter ought not to be unduly protracted?
I will convey this to the Land Commission.