asked the Minister for Lands if it is proposed to establish further group farming projects; and, if so, where.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Group Farming Projects.
69.
(Cavan): The Land Commission are at present assisting in the establishment of a second group farming project in County Meath.
They are exploring the possibility of setting up a group in County Kildare.
Other projects which they had under consideration, one in Cork, one in Sligo and one in Kildare, did not materialise.
At what stage is the Kildare project? The estate I am referring to is the Noone estate.
(Cavan): There appear to be two estates involved in Kildare. The establishment of a group of three or four has been under considerable. It was intended that the members of the group would be people living within two or three miles who, while keeping their existing houses and small areas around them, would surrender the remainder of their land. The people thought likely to be suitable and acceptable were interviewed but they intimated that they would not be willing to join in a group project. It is now unlikely that the group can be established.
Do I take it from that reply that the Minister will reallocate this land to local people living within a couple of miles?
(Cavan): The land will be used for the relief of congestion in the area. It might be more accurate to say that inquiries will be made to see if there is congestion which can be relieved by the Land Commission.
Do I gather from the Minister that the project envisaged the proposed group farmers staying in homes some distance apart?
(Cavan): It is intended that members of the group should be people living within two or three miles who, while keeping their existing houses and small areas around them, would surrender the remainder of their land.