asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he will state whether the Land Commission have yet acquired the lands known as Hogfield Farm, Charlestown, County Mayo, owned by Mr. Brady; and, if not, whether negotiations are still being carried on with a view to acquiring those lands for distribution among the local congests; and further, if he will state the cause of delay in dealing with this farm.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Mayo Farm.
The Land Commission have not yet acquired the lands of Treanacally or Hogfield, but negotiations are still in progress with the owner, with the view of acquiring the lands in question for the relief of congestion. The matter is being expedited as much as possible.
I do not like putting supplementary questions, but about three years ago—I have not the exact date—the same answer was given, practically, by the Parliamentary Secretary in answer to a question in regard to this farm. I asked the Parliamentary Secretary in this question if he will state the cause of delay in dealing with this farm. The Parliamentary Secretary has not answered that. Surely after three years some excuse ought to be put forward as to the cause of the delay.
No question was previously asked about this particular farm. As a matter of fact the negotiations for the acquisition of the farm only started about a year and a half ago. The farm is subject to a Land Commission annuity, and the owner refuses to sell to the Land Commission unless given another farm in exchange, and consequently there is a certain amount of difficulty in acquiring this farm.