asked the Minister for Lands when it is expected to divide the Fitzgerald estate, Coolvick, County Westmeath.
14.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westmeath Estates.
13.
asked the Minister for Lands when it is expected to divide the Dillon estate, Drumrainey, Athlone, County Westmeath.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 14 together.
The preparation of resale proposals for these two properties, and for two other holdings nearby, has been deferred pending the outcome of proceedings for the purchase of still another property in the same locality.
The purchase of these latter lands will give an aggregate 645 acres for division in the area and will enable a more balanced composite scheme of land settlement to be prepared.
Can the Minister say how far from each other are the Fitzgerald estate and the Dillon estate?
I am not certain but they do not appear to be very far apart from the information here.
Would the Minister take it from me that they are a considerable distance apart and that each would lie to be divided separately with benefit to the congestion in their own areas and that there is no need to aggregate them?
Evidently the Land Commission appeared to believe that they will be able to provide a more balanced scheme if they acquire this other estate.
Mr. Mooney
At what stage is the acquisition of the other holding?
Negotiations for that purpose are nearing completion.