asked the Minister for Lands why the Land Commission has not as yet taken possession of the German estate, Cappalane, Rosenallis, County Laois.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Estate.
8.
The owner of these lands has refused to hand over possession to the Land Commission who are now considering what further steps they will take in the matter.
On what date did the Land Commission commence proceedings for the acquisition of this estate and when was the final court decision in favour of the Land Commission given?
Proceedings for compulsory acquisition were instituted in November, 1959. The court proceedings were finally concluded by the striking out of an appeal of the owner in October, 1972. Possession has not yet been handed over. The Land Commission may have to take further action in that regard.
Since this has been going on for over 14 years would the Land Commission ensure that the owner, who is not in the country at all, is made to hand over possession very shortly?
The fact that the proceedings went on for so long was due to the fact that the owner was prepared to avail of every legal subterfuge open to him and his absence from the country compounded the situation because there were adjournments granted to enable him to attend. He got, perhaps, leniency from the tribunals over which the Land Commission would have no control. The Land Commission now will not tolerate any further delay.