asked the Minister for Defence if his Department is in possession of bog lands, originally acquired by the British Government for a rifle range, in the vicinity of Athlone Military Barracks; if those lands are at present used by his Department for this or any other purpose; and, if not, whether he is prepared to hand over the lands to the Irish Land Commission for distribution amongst the Barrymore tenants, who are very much in need of turbary.
Written Answers. - Athlone Rifle Range.
The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative. The lands cannot, therefore, be handed over to the Irish Land Commission.