asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission will acquire the Dillon estate at Rathforn, Newtowndaly, County Galway; and the cause of the delay in acquiring it.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Lands.
23.
(Cavan): Proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to have reached the stage where the lands have actually vested in the Land Commission and the land bonds representing the purchase money have been placed to credit. The Land Commission have however been unable to obtain possession of the lands and they are now considering what further steps they will take to finalise the matter. The proceedings were delayed initially by an application to have the building excluded and later by a complication which arose in regard to the ownership of part of the property.
Surely the Minister is aware that this has been going on for ages. I think it is proposed to take possession of this land compulsorily. The Minister said in his reply that the Land Commission was considering.
(Cavan): I am aware that there has been very considerable delay in this case. Proceedings started in 1967 and then there was an application by the owner to exclude some small portion of that land. After that was done, a brother of the owner claimed that part of the land which would have been acquired was his and it was agreed to exclude that without any reduction in price. Eventually the Land Commission vested the lands in themselves and placed the bonds to credit, but the owner failed to give up possession. The owner died about a year ago and the Land Commission will have to resort to court proceedings to get possession of the land. It is one of these cases where there was a chapter of accidents.
I agree there was a chapter of accidents. Can the Minister tell me when it is proposed to take proceedings? There was another case 12 months ago and I got the same answer. I want action now.
(Cavan): This is a matter for the Lay Commissioners. I am assured that the urgency of the matter is appreciated and that everything possible will be done immediately to settle this matter.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.