asked the Minister for Lands if the Million Estate, Fletcherstown, Wilkinstown, Navan, County Meath has been offered to the Land Commission; and, if so, why the Land Commission have not acquired it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Estate.
55.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply to his previous question on 15th June, 1966. In November 1966, following a detailed inspection of this 74 acre property which was carried out with the consent of the owner, negotiations were entered into for the purchase of the lands by the Land Commission but agreement with the owner did not materialise at that stage. It is understood that the property is still for sale —and the Land Commission have had recent discussions with the owner—but just now I am unable to forecast what other developments there may be.
Is the Minister aware that recently, by way of letter, I was informed that the Land Commission did not propose to purchase this farm and the reason I put down the question was to find out why they did not? Is he aware that a big number of outlying farms have, in fact, been sold to people who already have too much land in the area and will he take what steps he can to prevent this land falling into the hands of some rancher in view of the fact that there are so many smallholders and landless men in the area who could usefully use such land?
As I have informed the Deputy, we have had further discussions with the owner. The Deputy is probably aware that there is a certain difficulty in relation to this particular estate. The matter is not just as simple as it looks. We are doing the best we can in relation to it.
I am aware that there is a difficulty. All I ask is that the Minister will ensure that just because there is a difficulty, which can be overcome, the Land Commission inspector will not say that it is too much trouble and just leave it there. I would ask that the Minister see to it that the matter is pursued because in this area the amount of land which has fallen into the hands of persons, who, as I have already said, have more land than they can usefully use has become a scandal.