asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in regard to the Dominic Nolan Estate at Summerhill, Tomard, Ballinasloe, County Galway, the conditions under which an objection was allowed to the compulsory acquisition of this estate.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Estates.
97.
The objection lodged by Mr. Patrick Conway to the proceedings for the acquisition of this 28-acre property was allowed subject to the following conditions:
(1) That Mr. Conway should sell portion of the lands containing 3a. 1r. 15p. in the townland of Cloonavihomy to a nearby smallholder — Mr. Thomas Hynes, and
(2) that the parties should signify their consent to the consolidation of their adjacent holdings with the respective portions of the Nolan Estate purchased by them.
Is the Minister aware there were 12 farmers in that area with approximately 20 acres each? I went to the Land Commission with them prior to the sale of this Nolan Estate and the Land Commission inspected the estate and left these smallholders under the impression that the Land Commission would acquire the land. They failed to do so. The smallholders were not notified when the matter came up for decision before the Land Court.
Is the Minister aware that Paddy Conway is a first-class farmer? He has seven in family, four boys and three girls. Tom Hynes is a widower, with seven in family, six boys and one girl. Both of these were taking these lands from the representatives of the late Dominic Nolan before ever the Land Commission became interested. Furthermore, would the Minister agree that if smallholders buy a bit of land adjacent to them they are doing exactly what the Land Commission should be doing for them? The Land Courts of this country decided this matter despite Deputy Donnellan and his touts in that area. I agree it was a right decision.
Let me say this was a decision of the Land Commission and the man concerned, who has been mentioned by Deputy Kitt, is regarded as a first-class farmer and he has a big family. It is, of course, the Land Commission who make these decisions.
The two men, the other man who bought it with him.
Arising out of that, this is the second question I have down on land and Deputy Kitt has seen fit to intervene on each of them. If he were interested in land problems then he should put down a question himself.
Deputy Donnellan must ask the question, not make a speech.
I know more about it than Deputy Donnellan does. Deputy Donnellan is badgering small farmers because he is a rancher himself. If they were ranchers he would defend them.
What land the Deputy has, he has it set.
I want to contradict that. I have no such thing and I want Deputy Donnellan to know that, if he comes out to my house, I will show him I am using the bit of land I have as well as he is using what he has.
I want to ask a further supplementary question. Twelve persons were involved in this district——
The Deputy must ask a question.
He cannot.
Were their claims taken into consideration when the Land Commission decision was given?
I am aware, first of all, that the Land Commission gave a decision and, secondly, that the two people who got the land were two very deserving smallholders.
I wish to make it clear that I have no grudge against the individuals concerned——
The Deputy may only ask a question.
A charge has been made by Deputy Kitt. He referred to my supporters in this area as "touts". I resent and deny that. I bear no grudge whatever towards the individuals who got the land.
It is too late now for the Deputy to apologise.
98.
asked the Minister for Lands what attempts were made to acquire the Gleeson Estate, Monagarmally, Kilkerran, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and what was the outcome.
The Land Commission endeavoured on a few occasions to purchase this 36-acre holding on a voluntary basis but failed to reach agreement on price with the owner.
Could the Minister tell me if application has been made to the Land Commission for subdivision of this holding?
Yes. A letter of consent to the subdivision issued on 6th instant.
Have the Land Commission agreed to this?
They have.
Thank you.