asked the Minister for Lands if, in view of the congestion in the Ferbane area of County Offaly, he will indicate when it is proposed to allot the farms (details supplied) in this area; the total acreage of these estates; and if, in view of this country's entry into the EEC, steps will be taken for their allotment in order to improve living standards in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Land Allotment.
47.
Composite resale proposals for two of the holdings referred to, aggregating 85 acres, are in course of preparation and it is hoped that these will be approved so as to permit allocation of the lands next spring.
Composite proposals are also envisaged for the disposal of another of the holdings mentioned and a further property which came into possession of the Land Commission in March last, aggregating 183 acres, but it is not possible to indicate, just now, when allotment of these will take place.
The other holdings mentioned, totalling 299 acres, are in an acutely congested area and preparation of plans for their disposal has been deferred in the hope that further lands may be acquired so that a more effective and worthwhile restructuring of the area can be effected.
Many questions are answered here in relation to holdings of 20 or 30 acres but yet the Minister tells us that because of congestion in this particular area he is deferring the disposal of 299 acres in the hope of acquiring further lands.
He would need to acquire half the land in County Galway before having 299 acres.
The question refers to Offaly and not to Galway.
In the Minister's Estimate which will be before the House shortly there is provision for about £4 million in respect of land acquisition and provision. Why will the Minister not divide a farm of 299 acres? He tells us of the division of holdings as small as ten acres. This large parcel of land would be worth dividing.
The Land Commission are responsible for the division of land. They make the decisions.
The Minister is the person who must answer to the House.
If the Deputy had been listening to my reply he would have heard me say that disposal has been deferred in the hope that further lands may be acquired so that a more effective and worthwhile restructuring of the area can be effected.
For how long must the congests remain hoping?
I do not know.