asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to allot the lands of the Howard estate comprising one hundred and twenty-one acres at Belmont, County Offaly; and if the lands will be divided during the coming spring.
17.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Estate.
16.
asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to divide the following estates in County Offaly amongst the local deserving applicants: (a) the Egan estate, Lemanaghan, Ferbane and (b) the Gaffey estate, Lachnagh, Ferbane; and if it is expected that these lands will be divided during the coming spring.
18.
asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to divide and allot the Gilligan estate at Derries, Ferbane, County Offaly and the reason for the delay in allotting these lands.
19.
asked the Minister for Lands the present position regarding the division of the Ruttledge estate, Lemanaghan, Ferbane, County Offaly; if these lands will be allotted during the coming spring; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 17, 18 and 19 together.
There is a need for enlargement and rearrangement of fragmented holdings in the locality of all the estates mentioned in the Deputy's questions and the Land Commission have been endeavouring for some time to accumulate, in the vicinity of each, a pool of land in order to facilitate the formulation of a comprehensive scheme of rearrangement and enlargement in these areas.
I understand that the aim is to include the Gaffey and Gilligan estates, and their associated lands, aggregating 154 acres and 453 acres, respectively, in the coming year's allocation programme.
The formulation of resale proposals for Howard, Egan and Ruttledge estates, and their associated lands, has been deferred pending the outcome of proceedings for acquisition of further lands in the vicinity of each.
In the event of these further lands being acquired, an aggregate area of 183 acres will be available for division in connection with the Howard estate and 262 acres in connection with the Egan and Ruttledge estates, which will be dealt with jointly.