asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Irish Land Commission to stripe and divide the untenanted farms on the Lynch-Blosse Estate, Balla, Co. Mayo; further, if he is aware that these farms were in the hands of the Congested Districts Board for the past six years, and are still undivided, although acute congestion exists in that area.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - UNTENANTED FARMS (MAYO).
Mr. HOGAN
The lands referred to are the Lynch-Blosse Demesne lands at Attavallie, purchased out of the funds of the (late) Congested Districts Board some six years ago. The Mansion House and portion of the lands about it have been sold.
A scheme for the disposal of the remainder of the lands is in course of preparation. Meantime the cattle of small landholders in the district are being taken at moderate grazing rates.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, I would like to ask whether the Minister is aware that cattle have been driven off those lands within the last week?
Mr. HOGAN
No, I am not aware of that, but I do not see what that has got to do with this particular question. I do not follow the Deputy's point in connection with the question. It may be noticed that this is one of the estates bought six years ago by the Congested Districts Board, and the Land Commission had to take over five or six years' arrears from the Congested Districts Board, and it takes some time to get those matters up to date.