asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that acute congestion exists in the parishes of Kilmovee and Ballaghaderreen; that the farm known as Brooklawn, Record No. U.4688, which contains 127 acres, is surrounded by a large number of small holdings whose poor law valuations are under £3 each; that this farm is let in grazing and conacre; and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by the Land Commission to take over this farm and provide additions to the small holdings in its vicinity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Congestion in County Mayo.
Mr. Boland
The question appears to refer to the lands of Ishlaun, County Roscommon, formerly held by the Misses Agnes and Teresa Jordan and now in the occupation of Mr. John Gallagher.
The Land Commission have considered the question of acquiring these lands, but in the circumstances of the case they do not propose to take further action for the present.
Is the Minister aware that the Land Commission are migrating small farmers from the Counties of Mayo and Roscommon to the County Meath and to other counties in the midlands, and that each migrant is costing the State £900, while there is an amount of untenanted land in both these counties which could be taken over by the Land Commission and which it would cost practically nothing to acquire? Will the Minister look into this matter and see that no more of this kind of thing goes on?