asked the Minister for Finance if he has any plans to acquire the Gorham estate, Beaughcauneen, Clifden, County Galway; if he is aware that local congests were already in the process of acquiring these lands prior to the intervention of the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Clifden (Galway) Estate
162.
The Commissioners of Public Works are interested in the former Gorham estate lands at Beaughcauneen in connection with the formation of the Connemara National Park. They have been actively considering the purchase of the property in question since 1978. The lands consist of bogland and lakes and they adjoin lands which have already been acquired for the purposes of the park.
The commissioners are aware that some private interest has been shown in the purchase of the lands but they do not have detailed information about the nature or extent of such interest.