asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that the Drill Field, Fethard, County Tipperary, consisting of about 13½ statute acres, which was let to the Town Commissioners prior to 1929, was then let, at a lower price than the townspeople were prepared to give, to a private individual, an extensive land owner and shopkeeper in Fethard; and if he is aware that the latter sub-let it to the young people of the town at a substantial price; further, if he is aware that this field is urgently required for a town park and sports field by the young people who, while it was held by the Town Commissioners, gave months of voluntary labour to cleaning, levelling and rendering it suitable for such purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Drill Field, Fethard.
Mr. Hayes
The reply to the first part of the question is that for some years past this field has been advertised by the Commissioners of Public Works for grazing at the beginning of each grazing season. The Fethard Town Commissioners applied for the grazing for the 1929 season, but their application could not be entertained in view of a statement by the Department of Local Government that they were not aware of any statutory authority which would enable the Town Commissioners to acquire land for grazing purposes.
With regard to the second part of the question, no representations have been made to the Commissioners of Public Works since 1929, in the matter, and they have not been notified of the subletting referred to. They would be prepared to consider, on its merits, an offer from the Town Commissioners for a lease of the field for the purpose mentioned, with any other offers received. Any such offer should be made early, as offers for grazing are due in on 21st instant.
Mr. Hayes
May I take it that the policy of the Commissioners of Public Works in this connection is at variance with the policy of the Land Commission? In reply to a question I asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Land Commission some time ago the answer was that they would provide a playing field whenever possible in County Tipperary and every other county. Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that there are two prominent athletic clubs in Fethard, one a G.A.A. and the other a Rugby club? Preference has been given to Mr. Henehan, who, I understand, after attending a meeting stated that clubs could use the field as far as possible, but at the same time he charged one of these clubs £30 for the use of the field, besides charging another individual £45 for grazing, so that in all he made a profit of £75 out of the field.
Mr. Bourke
There is nothing to prevent the Town Commissioners using the field as a town park, but they cannot use it for grazing purposes and cannot sublet it for grazing purposes.
Mr. Hayes
Can the Parliamentary Secretary justify the action of a public department in giving preference to an individual in a case like this?
Mr. Bourke
There is no preference.
Do I understand that if the Town Commissioners make application for a lease of the field for the purpose of using it as a town park it will be favourably considered?
Mr. Bourke
I will say sympathetically considered.
Mr. Hayes
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the adjournment.