asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries if he is aware that acute congestion exists in the parishes of Balla, Kiltimagh and Mayo; if he will state the cause of delay by the Irish Land Commission in acquiring the farms of Brize and Brownhall, held by Messrs. McEllin, which contain over 800 acres, and the farms of Knockroe and Knockadorraghy, held by Mr. James Cowan, on De Clifford Estate, County Mayo; and if he will state the number of times those lands were inspected by the Irish Land Commission during the past 5 years.
Written Answers. - Acquisition of Kiltimagh Lands.
The Land Commission are aware of the congestion to which the Deputy refers, and have under consideration the question of the acquisition of the lands of Tullymore, Tullybeg and Barnagreggaun held by Mr. McEllin, and the lands of Knockroe and Knockdorraghy held by Mr. James Cowan, and the matter is being expedited as much as possible. The lands of Knockdorraghy were purchased under the Land Purchase Acts, and Mr. Cowan requires to be provided with a holding in exchange, and the Land Commission are not at present in a position to state when they will be able to provide the required exchange. The lands of Mr. McEllin have been inspected twice, and as the Deputy has already been informed, the lands of Mr. Cowan have been inspected and valued once during the past five years.