asked the Minister for Lands the cause of the delay in the allocation of lands on the Cole estate, Ballyteskin, Stradbally, County Laois; and if he will explain the long delay in disposing of these lands.
25.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Estates.
24.
asked the Minister for Lands the position in relation to the Condell estate, Whitefields, Stradbally, County Laois which has been let in conacre by the Land Commission for the past four years; if same will be divided during the coming spring; and if he will make a statement on this matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 24 and 25 together.
Allocation of the 300 acre Cole estate cannot proceed pending completion of building works. A contract for the erection of houses and out-offices was placed in December, 1969 and has not yet been completed — mainly due to the cement strike.
However, I am hopeful that at least part of the lands will be allotted next spring.
Allocation of the 300 acre Condell estate is linked with the disposal of the adjoining Cole estate and the formulation of resale plans for the Condell lands must await the outcome of the allocation proposals for the Cole estate.
26.
asked the Minister for Lands if it is a fact that two new houses have been erected on the Wilkinson estate, Crannagh, Stradbally, County Laois; and that since their erection they have been idle; when it is proposed to have these houses occupied instead of letting them decay; and what is the cause of the failure of the Land Commission to allocate the holdings on this estate.
Two dwelling-houses and two sets of out-offices have been erected on this estate. Disposal of these buildings and the balance — 128 acres — of the lands has been deferred pending the provision of a satisfactory water supply.
First efforts to find water did not succeed. A third well has now been drilled and it is felt that this may solve the problem in a locality where water supply is difficult.
Provided expectations from this third well are realised it is hoped to allot at least part of the lands next spring.
I reject completely the implication by the Deputy that the buildings erected here have been permitted to decay. Work was completed in October, 1969 and I am informed that the houses are dry, in good condition and have not deteriorated.