asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that there are sufficient applicants from the Stradbally area, County Waterford, to take portions of the Lay estate; if immediate steps will be taken to allot this estate among the local applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - County Waterford Estate.
41.
The house division of the estate, consisting of the residence and five acres of accommodation land, was sold by public auction last month. It is not possible, just now, to indicate when allotment of the balance, 93 acres, will take place. 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.
Is the Minister aware that at present the Land Commission are building two houses on the estate, which would indicate that it is intended to bring in migrants from outside the area? Is he further aware that there are at least six genuine applicants living in the immediate vicinity of the Lay estate who are more than entitled to get some part in the division of this estate?
As the Deputy knows, all the applicants he refers to were interviewed individually by the Land Commission. They were told there was very little prospect that they could be considered because of their individual circumstances, and they were told why. The Deputy and Deputy Kenneally were present and introduced the deputation. They then left so that they could be interviewed individually. I think it was made quite clear to them what the situation was. I might add that the commissioners may be having second thoughts in regard to the creation of two holdings.
Is the Minister aware that if some of these applicants do not get part of this estate a great amount of ill-will will be created in that particular area of the county?