asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission intend to divide the land in their possession in the electoral division of Sylane, Tuam, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
82.
It is presumed that the question relates to the townland of Sylaun in the Electoral Division of Belclare. Lands in the possession of the Land Commission in this and the adjoining townland of Pollnamal comprise a number of small properties purchased or surrendered by way of exchange—totalling some 150 acres. Proposals have recently been formulated for the disposal of these lands to facilitate the rearrangement of about 20 fragmented holdings in the area and it is hoped to put the work in hands this spring.
May I take it that it will be divided this spring?
It is hoped to put the work in hands this spring.
83.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that the Hopkins Estate, Cathill, Dunmore, County Galway, has been offered for sale by private treaty; and if it is the intention of the Land Commission to purchase this estate.
While there are no proceedings for the acquisition of this 22 acre holding, certain dealings are pending between the Land Commission and the owner's representatives but for the present these must be treated as confidential.
84.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that there is great need for a re-arrangement to be carried out in the villages of Cappowfadden and Ballintire, Dunmore, County Galway; and if the Land Commission have any plans to do this.
85.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission have any plans for the acquisition of the Ganley Estate, Cappowfadden, Dunmore, County Galway.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 85 together.
The Land Commission are fully aware of the need for the re-arrangement of intermixed holdings in the townlands of Carrowpadeen and Ballintava. The acquisition of additional land is an essential prerequisite to the work and, to this end, every effort is being made to build up a reserve of land to facilitate such re-arrangement. The Land Commission have already purchased a holding of 80 acres in the area while negotiations for the purchase of two other properties—totalling 52 acres—have concluded and possession will be taken as soon as possible. The possibility of securing additional land by way of exchange is also being considered.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the Ganley Estate in Carrowpadeen but the case has been noted for inquiry.
86.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission propose to acquire the Middleton Estate, Rosses Point, County Sligo, and to vest it in the tenants; and, if so, when.
A number of agriculural holdings on the Middleton estate at Rosses Point, dealt with under the Land Purchase Acts, were vested in the tenants some years ago. If the tenants of any of the remaining holdings on the estate consider that the provisions of the Land Acts apply to their tenancies it is open to them to make applications to the Land Commission under the appropriate sections of the Land Acts.
87.
asked the Minister for Lands the steps taken by the Land Commission for the acquisition of the estates of David Costine at Shanagarry, which has been let on the 11 months system for over 10 years, for division amongst smallholders in the area.
The Land Commission have been endeavouring to purchase this 38-acre holding on a voluntary basis but so far their maximum offer has proved unacceptable to the owner. Just now they are considering what further action should be taken in the matter.
88.
asked the Minister for Lands the steps taken by the Land Commission for the acquisition of the estate of Thomas Dwyer, Kilmalahill, Cloyne, County Cork, which has been let for some years, for division among smallholders.
89.
asked the Minister for Lands the steps taken by the Land Commission for the acquisition of the John Murnane non-resident holding at Roxboro, Midleton, County Cork, for division among the smallholders in the area.
90.
asked the Minister for Lands the steps taken by the Land Commission for the acquisition of the estate of Thomas Wall, Ballybrannyar, Ballycotton, County Cork, for division among uneconomic holders in the area.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 90 together.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of any of these properties. As regards Question No. 90, arrangements are in train to have an inspection carried out in respect of the 136 acre holding of Mr. Donal Wall in the townlands of Ballykenefick and Ballyshane and the requisite notice under the Land Act, 1965, has been served on the owner. Enquiries will be made about the other holdings referred to.
91.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Thomas Keaveney estate, Lisrevisk, Williamstown, County Galway.
The Land Commission have recently carried out a detailed inspection of the 38 acre holding with a view to determining whether compulsory acquisition proceedings should be instituted. The report furnished is being studied and there will be no avoidable delay in reaching an early decision in the matter.
This land was purchased by a landless man and, in itself, is an uneconomic holding. Under the terms of the 1965 Land Act, a landless man is not entitled to purchase land in an area where there is congestion and particularly an uneconomic holding.
No. The Deputy is not correct, but in any case the Land Commission are examining the report and they will make a decision on the matter.
92.
asked the Minister for Lands whether it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire a 62 acre farm between Moneygall and Cloughjordan, Nenagh, County Tipperary and divide it among the small farmers of the area.
If the Deputy is referring to a 62 acre holding in the townland of Rath, Co. Offaly, which has recently been advertised for sale, the position is that the Land Commission have no proceedings for acquisition of this property—but they are looking into the matter.
93.
asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission have not sanctioned the sale of part of the Michael Martin Estate, Newcastle, Tomard, Ballinasloe, County Galway.
An application for consent to the subdivision of the holding referred to in the Question was fully considered by the Land Commission in May and July of last year but was refused. The granting of the application would have resulted in the creation and continuance of holdings which, in the opinion of the Land Commission, would not be economic holdings.
94.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the Michael Mee Estate, the Eamonn Hanly Estate, and the James Stretch Estate in the village of Knickanes, Cloonameeda, Castlerea, County Galway.
Agreement has been reached for purchase by the Land Commission of the 20 acre Mee Estate and possession will be taken as soon as the owner's title has been cleared.
Proceedings were instituted recently by the Land Commission for compulsory acquisition of the Hanly Estate —20 acres—and the Stretch Estate— 21 acres—but it is not possible at present to indicate what the outcome will be.
Question No. 95 withdrawn.