asked the Minister for Fisheries if he is aware that the Irish Land Commission recently refused to take any portion of the lands owned by Captain Moore, of Mooresfort, Tipperary, for the relief of congestion; if he will state the reason for such refusal; the number of acres at present in the possession of Captain Moore; if he is aware that there are a number of small holders living near this estate; and what steps he proposes to take to bring them up to the economic standard.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CONGESTION IN TIPPERARY.
Proceedings were instituted by the Land Commission under the Land Act, 1923, for the acquisition of 61a. 2r. 0p. of the lands of Kilross on the Estate of Captain Moore, Co. Tipperary. The owner objected to the acquisition of the lands on the grounds, that for many years past they had been worked by him as part of his Home Farm and Farming Industry generally, including that of a Stud Farm and that if he were deprived of the lands the result would be to materially interfere with the Stud Farm.
The objection came before the Land Commission Court who having considered all the circumstances gave judgment allowing the objection and the proceedings were in consequence discontinued. In addition to these lands Captain Moore is returned in the Schedule of Particulars lodged as holding about 722 acres of Demesne Lands and 5,000 acres of Mountain and Woods.
The Commissioners are taking steps to acquire other lands in the neighbourhood which, it is hoped, will relieve any local congestion that may exist.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that even since the passing of the Act of 1923 farms have been sold privately off this estate, others were being offered privately, and that some farms have been sold publicly? I can tell him the names.
It seems to me that is an entirely different question.
Can the Minister say whether the Land Commission propose to leave 600 acres of land to Count Moore, notwithstanding the fact that there is a large number of uneconomic holders in the immediate vicinity?
I stated in reply to the question that the Land Commission were taking steps to acquire other lands in the neighbourhood for the purpose of relieving the congestion which they recognise does exist.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there is no hope of the untenanted land in the immediate neighbourhood being able to supply all those people?
I am not aware at the moment of the actual extent of the congestion that exists there, but I am aware that it is possible to acquire land in the neighbourhood to relieve portion of it, at all events.
Only a small portion.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary reply to my question—whether we are to understand from his reply that the Land Commission were not going to take any part of the 600 acres of land which is now held by Count Moore?
I stated that definitely in my reply.
asked the Minister for Fisheries what steps have been taken by the Land Commission to acquire the Corden Ranch at Fishmoyne, Borrisoleigh, County Tipperary, for the relief of congestion in that area; whether he is aware that there are a large number of uneconomic holdings in the vicinity, most of which consist of reclaimed bog; and whether, in view of this congestion, he will take steps to expedite the acquisition of this ranch.
The Land Commission do not propose to acquire the lands referred to, which are demesne. The Land Commission are aware that there are a number of small holdings in the district, and they are taking steps to acquire other lands for the relief of congestion.
Might I ask the Parliamentary Secretary why it is the Land Commission does not take steps to acquire some of that particular estate? I live near, and there are something like 400 acres there.
I think the Deputy poses as an authority on the Land Act of 1923, and he should be aware that under a certain sub-section of that Act demesne lands are excluded.
I am aware that they are not demesne lands.