asked the Minister for Lands why he has refused to sell a portion of land at Cong, County Galway, to facilitate the expansion of a local factory involved in exports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Land.
18.
(Cavan): It is not proposed to sell the plot in question as it is required for the Forest and Wildlife Service's own use.
Would the Minister reconsider this matter as the factory, as the Minister must be aware, is surrounded by Land Commission land? Although sales were agreed to before between the Land Commission and this person which enabled certain extensions to be made to the factory the factory has since been very successful and is in need of further ground for extension. This man cannot purchase land from any person except the Department of Lands who surround him. As I believe he has established a very successful export business, would the Minister, in view of that and employment in the area, agree to review the decision?
(Cavan): Representations were previously made in regard to this matter and every consideration was given to it by the Forest and Wildlife Service. They simply feel they cannot sell this land to the person mentioned. As the Deputy knows, the forestry service is under pressure in various parts of the country to release land. If they leased all the land they are required to lease, they would be in great difficulties. This person has been reasonably well treated by the Forestry Division. They have sold him one plot to facilitate the expansion of the factory and sold him a plot for housing and also sold three-and-a-half acres by way of accommodation to a near relative of the person concerned, and I understand that the amount of land now required by this person could be acquired from the relative who got the three-and-a-half acres.
If that is so, I must accept it that there is land which he could purchase from a relative. That was not given to me, and if I come back to the Minister on it again, will he have another look at it?
(Cavan): That is the information given to me by my officials.