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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Jul 1931

Vol. 39 No. 13

Written Answers. - Acquisition and Distribution of Land in Leix and Offaly.

asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether he will state the approximate acreage of land dealt with in (a) Leix, (b) Offaly, during the past three years, viz.:—(1) acquired for distribution; (2) actually distributed to uneconomic holders and others, giving number of benefiting tenants; (3) land considered unsuitable, following inspector's report; and (4) estates at present under consideration by the Commissioners.

I will give the Deputy the figures of lands acquired and divided during the three financial years from 31st March, 1928, to 31st March, 1931, as most readily available. During those three years the Land Commission, under the Land Acts, 1923-29, acquired for distribution 6,240 acres of land in County Leix and 9,284 acres of land in County Offaly and they divided 5,335 acres of land among 204 allottees in County Leix and 9,448 acres of land among 294 allottees in County Offaly. It is not practicable to give the information the Deputy asks for in part 3 of his question—"land considered unsuitable following inspector's report"—for a particular period, as lands are frequently judged by the Land Commission as unsuitable for present action but are taken up again later for reconsideration in cases where more suitable land is not available.

As to part 4 of the Deputy's question, some 8,000 acres of untenanted land in County Leix and some 12,000 acres of untenanted land in Co. Offaly, which have been inspected, are at present in process of acquisition or under the consideration of the Land Commission with a view to acquisition. Further areas of some 9,000 acres in County Leix and some 17,000 acres in County Offaly are the subject of preliminary inquiries with a view to inspection.

With regard to Deputy Davin's notice for question 12, what is the precise matter he desires to raise?

The failure of the Minister to make provision for the extension of compensation clauses of the original Railway Act, 1926, and his refusal to receive a deputation representing the employees of the railways concerned.

That is to discuss the extension of the Act?

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