asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture whether he is aware that a plot of ground approximately three acres in extent was given by the late Lady Elizabeth Clements for the purpose of a site for a school and for accommodation for the teachers of Cloughbrack, Clonbur, Co. Galway; whether the late Congested Districts Board took over this land and gave it to other parties in the neighbourhood, and whether he will take steps to see that this land now reverts to the purpose for which it was originally given by the owner.
WRITTEN ANSWERS. - PLOT FOR CLONBUR (CO. GALWAY) SCHOOL.
The (late) Congested Districts Board purchased the estate of Lord Ardilaun in the counties of Mayo and Galway, formerly owned by Lady Clements.
The conveyance of this property included the site of a teacher's residence at Cloughbrack, containing an area of one rood.
A plot of land adjoining these premises containing 3a. 1r. 32p. was conveyed as untenanted land in the hands of the vendor, and clear possession of it was received by the Congested Districts Board.
The Congested Districts Board gave the matter of the distribution of this land their most careful consideration, and finally decided to offer to sell to trustees to be appointed by the Archbishop of Tuam, an area of about 3 roods for the accommodation of the teacher, which, with the residence plot, would leave him an area of about one acre.
They decided to sell the remainder of the land under the Land Purchase Acts for the enlargement of the holdings of three agricultural tenants who have no other means of living than by land and the rents of whose holdings are only £1 13s., £1 18s., and £2 6s. respectively, and the allottees have been placed in occupation.
An offer to sell to the Archbishop the plot referred to for the accommodation of the teacher has recently been issued, and the arrangements made as regards the divisions cannot be reopened.