asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission have investigated the possibility of acquiring all or part of the French-Blake estate at Mogeely, Castlemartyr, County Cork, in view of the serious congestion in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Estate.
36.
Proceedings were instituted for compulsory acquisition of this 563-acre property. An objection lodged on behalf of the owner came for hearing before the lay commissioners in January, when judgement was reserved. Until this objection has been finally disposed of it is not possible to forecast what the outcome of the proceedings will be.
I can appreciate the Minister's difficulty in this regard because, after all, it is hereditary acquisition, but is the Minister aware that there are 83 acres in Ballymacoola Beg, Mogeely, which is in fact a separate lot from the main estate and at the moment is let as conacre? In view of the serious congestion in the area would the Minister at least acquire this lot to relieve that congestion?
I am not aware of the position as outlined by the Deputy in the first part of his supplementary. I feel that any change of action at this stage, pending a decision by the lay commissioners, would only have an upsetting effect rather than being of advantage. It is a matter for decision by the Land Commission at this stage and there is nothing further I can say until that decision has been reached.
Arising further——
We cannot discuss these questions all evening.
I appreciate that, but I should like to know when the Land Commission are going to take a decision in the matter. I presume the Minister for Lands is totally against this business of ranching which is, in fact, the situation in this case.
I cannot say when. The owners have certain entitlements as well and under the existing law they have the right of objecting and being heard in court and having proper justice done and seen to be done.