asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that acute congestion exists amongst the uneconomic landholders at Rahins, Castlebar, County Mayo; that, further, the Land Commission propose selling the Browne estate at Rahins, Castlebar, to a resident of Northern Ireland, and whether in the circumstances the Minister proposes to take any action in the matter for the purpose of relieving the said congestion.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sale of County Mayo Estate.
The question of the acquisition and division of the Browne holding at Rahins was considered by the Land Commission, and as the lands were unsuitable for their purposes they decided to take no action. The holding was, subsequently, offered for sale by public auction for recovery of arrears of land purchase annuity. As the sale by public auction proved unsuccessful, the holding was offered for sale by private treaty. The highest offer was received from a purchaser in Rahins, Castlebar. The sale of the holding to him has been completed, and he is now entitled to possession of the lands.
Will the Minister say why the lands were considered unsuitable by the Land Commission for resumption?
There were various reasons. One reason was that the greater portion of the holding seemed to consist of woods, scrub, bog and waste, with a small proportion of arable land.
Is the Minister aware that there are two tenants on the estate who are now being thrown out on the road by the purchaser?
I am not aware of that.