asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he is aware that the farm of Mr. Val. McDonnell at Glenanammer, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, was offered to the Land Commission by the owner; that an inspection of it was made by the Land Commission two years ago; whether it is intended to acquire this farm, and, if not, whether he will state the reasons for this decision.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - ACQUISITION OF CO. ROSCOMMON LANDS.
The Land Commission made an offer to the owner for the purchase of the lands referred to and this offer was refused. They do not propose to take any further action regarding the acquisition of the lands.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, when other farms were being divided in the vicinity about 18 months ago, some more deserving applicants were held over to get land on this farm? Now if the Land Commission do not take this farm they cannot get land. I would like to know if the Parliamentary Secretary is aware of that?
I think the Deputy is aware that there is scarcely any congestion in this area. In any case, the land is not suitable for acquisition, as it has no water. There are other reasons why the land cannot be acquired. Steps have been taken to acquire other farms in the neighbourhood, which will have the effect of relieving whatever congestion there is.
asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if it is the intention of the Land Commission to acquire the farm of Bernard Forde, of Carramoneen, Ballinameen, comprising 45 acres or thereabouts, and, if so, whether he will state when it will be subdivided.
The farm referred to appears to be a holding of 72a. 3r. 15p. in the townland of Carramoneen, occupied by Bernard Forde, as judicial tenant, on the estate of L.F. Bowen and another, Co. Roscommon, which is being dealt with by the Land Commission under the Land Act, 1923. The question of the acquisition of this holding will be considered in connection with the sale of this estate.