asked the Minister for Lands whether it is proposed to acquire the lands of Michael Guinan (about 300 acres), Ballyfin, County Leix, for forestry purposes; whether he is aware that these lands which are considered suitable for forestry purposes are situated near an existing forestry station at Banreagh, and if he will state what action he proposes to take in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leix Lands.
A preliminary inspection has been made of the lands of Capard, Ballyfin, County Leix, offered by Michael Guinan for State afforestation, but before coming to a final decision as to whether they are suitable for acquisition for this purpose, a further inspection will be necessary. It is hoped to carry out this inspection in the near future.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission propose to acquire the Capard estate, Rosenallis, County Leix, and if so, when the division scheme is likely to be put into operation.
The question would appear to refer to an estate of Robert Cahill, Capard, Rosenallis, County Leix, consisting of the lands of Capard containing 318 acres. There are no proceedings for acquisition at present pending in respect of these lands.
Does the Land Commission propose to take any proceedings as a result of the representations that I know have been made?
Yes.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission propose to acquire the lands of Miss Edge, Miltown, Ballylinan, and, if so, when the division scheme is likely to be put into operation.
The Land Commission have instituted proceedings for the acquisition of the lands of Miltown on the estate of Richard E. McKenna (formerly Miss Edge). As the owner's objection to the acquisition of these lands is pending before the Land Commission, it is not possible to state when the lands, if acquired, will be divided.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the acreage of land owned by the Land Commission in the Ballyfin area, County Leix, which is considered suitable for forestry purposes, and whether it is proposed to acquire other lands in the same area for the same purpose; whether he is aware that a very large number of able-bodied unemployed men are residing in the area mentioned and if he is prepared to allocate a reasonable sum from the funds at his disposal for the purpose of carrying out forestry work on the lands now in the possession of the commissioners in this area.
An area of 250 acres of the townlands of Seanavour, Econce Upper, Drim and Derrycar comprising part of the former Coote Estate at Ballyfin has recently been allotted by the Land Commission for forestry purposes. Work on these lands has been commenced and during the week ending 13th instant over 20 men were employed there. The only other lands in this district which are at present the subject of consideration are those offered by Michael Guinan at Capard.