andMr. Cowen asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission will acquire the Byrne estate, Lecarrow, Shannonbridge, Offaly, which has recently been offered for sale, in order that it may be distributed among local uneconomic holders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Estates.
53.
The Land Commission have recently carried out a detailed inspection of this 119 acre property with a view to determining whether acquisition proceedings should be instituted. The report furnished is being studied and it is expected that there will be an early decision in the matter.
54.
andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Lands (a) the number of estates the Land Commission have acquired in the Birr area, County Offaly, (b) when they propose to allot them and (c) if they will be allotted in the coming spring.
55.
andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Lands (a) the number of estates the Land Commission have acquired in the Mount Bolus-Bluebell areas of County Offaly, (b) when they propose to allot these estates and (c) if they will be allotted in the coming spring.
With your permission a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 55 together.
Lands awaiting distribution in the Birr area of County Offaly comprise seven estates totalling some 1,100 acres. It is expected that a substantial part of this acreage will be allotted in the coming spring.
The area on hands of the Land Commission in the Mount Bolus-Bluebell district is about 230 acres, consisting of five properties. The formulation of resale proposals for the bulk of this acreage has been deferred pending the outcome of proceedings for compulsory acquisition of a 170 acre holding in the locality. In the event of this property being acquired, a comprehensive scheme of division will be prepared, incorporating the lands already acquired.
56.
andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Lands if the Jackson estate, Clonmore, Fahy, County Offaly will be divided in the coming spring.
Composite resale proposals are envisaged for this 104 acre estate and an adjoining property of 24 acres which has also been acquired by the Land Commission. I understand that a good deal of the necessary inquiries on the ground have been completed and I am hopeful that resale plans will be approved so as to permit allocation of at least part of the lands next spring.
57.
andMr. Connolly asked the Minister for Lands if the Quinn estate, Clonkeen, Clonbulloge, County Offaly will be divided in the coming spring.
Pending completion of the necessary inquiries on the ground, it is not possible to forecast just now when a scheme for the division of this 60 acre holding can be planned.