asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he will state what steps have been taken by the Land Commission to acquire the remaining portion of the Pollock Estate, Co. Galway, and if he can further state the acreage held by each of the following persons on this estate, viz.: Messrs. Henry Byrnes, Francis Kenny, Representatives of J. D. Kenny, Representatives of Thomas Kenny, and William Finney, and on what terms same is held.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. - POLLOCK ESTATE (CO. GALWAY).
Mr. HOGAN
Particulars have been lodged by the owner under the Land Act, 1923, of untenanted lands on the Pollock Estate comprising 8,328 acres. Of this amount the Land Commission have acquired some 3,780 acres. The remaining area, comprising 4,548 acres, will be inspected as soon as practicable.
Mr. Henry Byrnes has been returned by the owner as holding in Corlacarta East and West and Lisbeg some 1,600 acres of this area under a grazing agistment lease for 21 years; Francis Kenny, some 665 acres in Fynagh for agistment grazing for 21 years, and 2,122 acres are stated to be let under agistment lettings to John D. Kenny, viz.: 603 acres in Ballyhoose, 1,186 acres in Kylemore for 15 years, and 333 acres in Ochilmore for 7 years.
The representatives of Thomas Kenny and Wm. Finney are not mentioned in the schedule of particulars lodged by owner, but an Eric W. Kenny is returned as tenant of a holding in Ballinakill comprising 427 acres 1 rood and 10 perches.
Mr. COSGRAVE
Will the Minister say when the lease will expire?
Mr. HOGAN
I could not, offhand. I take it it did not expire on the passing of the Act and has not expired up to the present.
Mr. COSGRAVE
Should the Land Commission take any steps to acquire land in the meantime? Have they not power under the 1923 Act to do so?
Mr. HOGAN
That is a power which the legal advisers have to decide.
Mr. COSGRAVE
I am asking the legal adviser.
Mr. HOGAN
The Deputy should forward the usual fee.