asked the Minister for Lands if proceedings are pending for the acquisition of the Gallagher estate, Corbetstown, Killucan, County Westmeath; and, if so, what progress has been made in the matter.
37.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath Estates.
36.
asked the Minister for Lands if it is proposed to acquire the Farrell estate, Raharney, County Westmeath; and, if so, if it will be divided to relieve congestion in the area.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 36 and 37 together.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of either of these properties but they are having inquiries made.
Is the Minister aware that a deputation approached the Land Commission over a year ago with regard to the Gallagher estate and that various promises were made that the estate would be acquired by the Land Commission for division among more than 30 uneconomic holders in the area? Now it appears that nothing has been done about it. At least five deputations approached the Department of Lands in the last year about this farm and they were led to believe that the Department were taking action.
It is a question of price as well.
The Minister stated that no action was taken but that he was making investigations into the matter. In regard to the Gallagher estate the Department have received at least five deputations. The Minister now states that it is a question of price and that the Land Commission are taking action——
I did not say that. I said there is also a question of price.
Then the Land Commission are doing something about it?
I said inquiries are being made and that it is also a question of price.
Therefore, the matter must be at the negotiating stage. The matter is at a stage further than making inquiries?
I am calling Question No. 38.
38.
asked the Minister for Lands if it is proposed to build houses on the Duncan estate at Tang, Ballymahon, County Westmeath; and, if so, if the houses are intended for migrants or for local smallholders on a rearrangement basis.
The Duncan estates and three other properties, aggregating 494 acres in the vicinity of Tang, have been acquired by the Land Commission. Of this area, some 134 acres were allocated to local applicants in April/May last.
Two houses are already in course of erection on the lands and it is expected that work on two more will commence shortly. Final plans for disposal of these houses and the balance of the lands have not yet been approved. The selection of allottees for land is a matter reserved to the commissioners. I am confident that the claims of all applicants will be thoroughly assessed before the lands are finally allocated.
I could not hear the Minister's reply in its entirety. Would the Minister say if it is proposed to bring in migrants from the west for these lands?
I understand that there are proposals for the creation of migrant holdings. I do not know where the migrants would come from.
May I put it to the Minister that this is an area of extreme congestion? There are no large farmers in this area; there are small farmers with uneconomic holdings. Would the Minister not agree that it would be equitable for the local smallholders to get preference and will he direct the Land Commission to act accordingly in this situation?
As the Deputy knows, I am not in a position to direct the Land Commission. However, I will bring the Deputy's statement to the notice of the Land Commission.
39.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Higgins estate, Relick, Ballinacarrigy, County Westmeath, has been sold; and, if so, if he is aware of the identity of the purchaser.
The Land Commission have no dealings in respect of these lands. I understand that they have been purchased by a person from whom the Land Commission recently acquired 454 acres.