asked the Minister for Lands when a scheme for the allotment of the Mount Jessop estate, County Longford, will be ready.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Estate.
16.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in relation to the Mount Jessop estate, County Longford (a) the area in acres set for grazing at the latest public setting, (b) the price per acre accepted, (c) the amount paid or due for rates in respect of that setting period, (d) if it was a condition of the setting that no meadow would be taken nor sheep grazed, (e) if this condition was broken and, if so, what action has resulted, (f) why the estate was not set in divisions of a size to suit the farmers in the locality and (g) why such short notice (Friday to Monday) of the public setting was given.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 17 together. Possession of this 270 acre property passed to the Land Commission in December, 1969.
At first it was hoped that allotment of the lands could be effected in the spring of 1970 but by the end of February it became clear that this would not be practicable. Due to the lateness of the season it was necessary to make quick arrangements for the letting of the lands. The auction was advertised in the local papers on Thursday, 26th February, and was held on the following Monday, 2nd March, which was the only day available to the auctioneer for some time.
Because of the short road frontage and the lack of adequate internal fencing it was not found possible to let the estate in divisions. The letting comprised some 147 acres, the balance of the estate consisting of turbary, plantation and waste.
The bidding at the public auction did not reach the reserve rent and the lands were subsequently let by private tender. It is not the custom of the Land Commission to disclose rents received in such circumstances. The rates paid on the lands for the period of the letting amounted to £140.
Under the conditions of the letting agreement the lessee was not permitted to take meadowing or graze sheep. The Land Commission are not aware of any breach of these conditions.
Would the Minister state what was the reserved figure that was not reached at the public auction?
I have not got that.