asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the McDonnell holding at Barroe, Charlestown, County Mayo.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Land Acquisition.
21.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the Quinn holding at Barroe, Charlestown, Co. Mayo.
23.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the Tatum holding at Charlestown, County Mayo.
24.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the Conor holding at Charlestown, County Mayo.
25.
asked the Minister for Lands the position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the Henry holding at Lissmugee, Charlestown, County Mayo.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 to 25, inclusive, together.
The Land Commission have no dealings in respect of the holdings referred to. I am informed that inquiries made some time ago in regard to the lands indicated that two of the holdings were unsuitable for Land Commission purposes and that the others were either being properly used by the present owners or were too small to have any worthwhile impact on local congestion.
All these holdings are in the one area and the acquisition of approximately the 250 acres in the holdings involved would be a great asset for a number of small farmers in this area. In the light of that, will the Minister have another look at this particular matter?
(Cavan): The Deputy knows that the question of the acquisition of land is a matter entirely for the Lay Commissioners. My information is as stated in my reply and I do not accept that the holdings contain the area mentioned by the Deputy. The first holding contains approximately 33 acres and has a valuation of £2.65p; the second holding contains 18 acres and has a valuation of £2.70p; the third contains 15 acres 1 rood and has a valuation of £4; the fourth contains 7 acres 6 perches and has a valuation of £1.90p and the last one has an area of 8 acres 1 rood and 32 perches and has a poor law valuation of £2.50p. This is a very far cry from the Deputy's 250 acres.
Would the Minister not consider the acquisition of even that amount of land in this area for division amongst the smallholders since it would be a great asset to these people?
(Cavan): I am not familiar with the lands in question but I am advised by my advisers that some of the holdings are being properly worked and the remainder are so small it would not be worthwhile going after them.