asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that at a recent letting of lands for tillage on the Gavin estate at Gibbstown, County Meath, the bid given by a resident native to the county was refused, the lettings being confined to migrants; if he will state whether these lettings were advertised and if any intimation was given by such advertisement that bids from migrants only would be acceptable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Meath Lands.
The lands in question were let in grazing last year to migrants from the neighbouring Gibbstown colony, and this year the Land Commission proposed to let the lands to the migrants in conacre, provided that suitable rents could be obtained. The posters advertising the lettings were put up only in the colony and at the auction it was made clear to any local applicants that the lettings would be confined to migrants. Suitable terms having been agreed upon, the lands were let to migrants.