asked the Minister for Defence whether a plot of land on Infirmary Road, Dublin, formerly let for grazing, has now been let as a dumping ground, and is being rapidly converted into a rubbish heap; whether an application for the letting of the land for cultivation as allotments was made by tenants of houses in the vicinity through the Auctioneer stated by the Lands Department to be in charge of the matter, but was neither accepted nor rejected; and whether he will undertake that in future any available lands of his Department, which are reasonably fit for food cultivation, will be let to suitable tenants for that purpose.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - INFIRMARY ROAD (DUBLIN) PLOT.
TOMAS MAC EOIN
Mr. O'HIGGINS (for Minister for Defence)
The plot of land referred to has not been let for dumping, but has been let for tillage.
An offer was received from a tenant of one neighbouring house, but this offer was not nearly up to the best offer received, and was rejected.
Ministry of Defence lands not in use by the military are let under competition, mostly for grazing, but sometimes for tillage. Where the lands are suitable for tillage, they are let accordingly.
Does the Minister deny that these lands have been used for dumping purposes?
Mr. O'HIGGINS
It would seem so. I am not speaking with any personal knowledge, but the reply is "the plot of land referred to has not been let for dumping, but has been let for tillage."
Will the Minister make enquiries to find out whether the purpose for which the land was let is being effected or whether it has not been used for dumping?