asked the Minister for Lands the number of holdings acquired by the Land Commission in South Kerry during the year ended 31st December, 1967; and the number of holdings which were subdivided during the same period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - South Kerry Lands.
43.
Land Commission records, which relate to financial years, are not kept by reference to specific districts such as that mentioned in the question. For County Kerry as a whole, the total intake of land in the financial year ended 31st March, 1967, was 1,557 acres comprised in 37 estates or holdings—while the area distributed was 1,708 acres comprised in 39 properties or residues of partly allotted properties.
44.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he will give special consideration to a proposal that the Land Commission should carry out a comprehensive survey in South Kerry with a view to ascertaining the number of holdings in the area which are suitable for acquisition and subdivision among neighbouring smallholders, having regard to the large number of very small holdings in South Kerry; and if he will state the number of holdings not being worked in the constituency.
As to the first part of the question, comprehensive surveys of this nature are being confined to the pilot areas and it would not be practicable in present circumstances to extend them. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, there is a pilot area in County Kerry and a detailed survey and analysis of the holdings in this area has been carried out.
Apart from the fact that Land Commission records are not compiled by reference to constituency areas the precise information requested in the second part of the question is not available. However, it might meet the Deputy's requirements to know that for County Kerry as a whole proceedings are at present in progress for compulsory acquisition of 13 properties aggregating 950 acres while negotiations are in progress for voluntary purchase of 47 holdings comprising 4,400 acres. In addition, 64 properties with a total area of 2,800 acres, are currently under investigation with a view to considering acquisition or purchase.