asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that the Hickey estate (Lands, Dardistown, County Westmeath), has been acquired by the Ulster Bank, Ltd., as mortgagees, and, if so, whether in view of the congestion in this area he will exercise the compulsory powers of the 1923 Land Act in acquiring same; and, if not, whether he will state the reasons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Hickey Estate.
Captain Hickey is the registered owner of the lands of Dardistown, and the Land Commission are not aware that the Ulster Bank have acquired the lands.
They are subject to a Land Purchase annuity, and as stated in reply to a question of 8th instant, the Land Commission do not propose to acquire them.
The Land Commission have under consideration the acquisition of other lands which will relieve any congestion existing in the district.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary maintain that the Bank is in a position to claim an alternative holding?
According to the Land Commission records Captain Hickey is the registered owner and has given notice through his agent that he will claim an alternative holding in the event of our acquiring these lands.
In view of the fact that I am aware that Captain Hickey is not the owner, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the adjournment.