asked the Minister for Lands if the Land Commission have yet acquired the Agnes Murphy estate consisting of 89 acres at Castlebridge, County Wexford; and, if not, the reason for the delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wexford Estate.
9.
(Cavan): Negotiations for the voluntary purchase of some 89 acres of the property referred to had reached their final stages and arrangements were being made to take possession when the question of the exclusion of a small area was raised by the owner. This matter has now been settled and it is expected that possession of the lands will pass to the Land Commission later this year.
Does the Minister seriously suggest that the Land Commission have not yet acquired this holding? Is he aware that in last May he informed me in this House that agreement had been reached on the purchase price and it was expected that possession would be obtained shortly? Will he ask the Land Commission to fulfil their commitments to him?
(Cavan): What I told the Deputy on a previous occasion was correct. Subsequently, the owner requested the Land Commission to permit him to retain another small portion of the land. Negotiations were reopened with a view to facilitating him in respect of this small portion. This matter has now been resolved and the Land Commission will get possession this year.
In the interests of the small uneconomic holders in that area, will the Minister ask the Land Commission to get a move on so far as this estate is concerned?
(Cavan): I will convey the Deputy's request to the Land Commission but as I said in my reply the matter has now been settled and it is expected that possession of the land will pass to the Land Commission later this year.
What price per acre did this land cost?
That is a separate question.
(Cavan): It is not usual to give such information in individual cases and I do not propose to do it now.