asked the Minister for Lands the amount of land in the hands of the Land Commission for division in County Limerick; the names of the estates concerned; and their location.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Division.
21.
The position regarding lands in the possession of the Land Commission for distribution is subject to constant fluctuation, depending upon progress in intake and allotment. The list of estates on hands in County Limerick requested by the Deputy would be out of date in a short time and would, therefore, be largely irrelevant. This is particularly so at this time of year as Land Commission activities in the allotment of land reach their peak.
Perhaps, therefore, it would meet the Deputy's requirements, for the present, at least, if I were to say that at 31st December, 1970, there were 903 acres of arable land in the possession of the Land Commission in County Limerick.
Would the Minister say if this is a new principle being adopted with regard to answering questions because up to now we have got details when we have asked for them?
I do not think it is new. I think this type of answer is given at this time of the year. I am not sure, but that is my impression.
The week before last there were two lists given with over 13 farms in each.
I gave the same form of reply yesterday. At this time of the year we are getting rid of land.
So long as it is not a precedent I have no objection.
I did not know the Land Commission were that quick.
They take over the land one day and they divide it the next.
22.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware of the need for the Land Commission to purchase and sub-divide a substantial amount of land in the Dungarvan area, County Waterford in order to provide viable farms for families in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Lands awaiting distribution in the Dungarvan area comprise four estates, aggregating 400 acres.
The formulation of resale proposals for the bulk of this acreage will be put in hand shortly and it is expected that the greater part will be allocated in the spring of 1972.
I am not aware of the need to purchase a substantial amount of land in the Dungarvan area more than any other but I shall arrange to have the Deputy's views brought to the attention of the Land Commission.
23.
andMr. Boylan asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission expect to allot the Scahill Estate at Christianstown, Droichead Nua, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the delay in acquiring and dividing this estate.
Though the actual negotiations for the voluntary purchase by the Land Commission of this 40-acre holding have concluded, arrangements cannot be made to take over possession until the vendor has shown title to the lands. The Land Commission have been pressing for some time to have this requirement fulfilled and it is now hoped that the matter will be attended to by the end of April.
It is, as yet, too early to say when a scheme for division can be planned.