asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the total acreage let and the conditions under which such lands were recently let by the Land Commission on the Kenny Estate, Rossdarragh, Rathdowney, County Laoighis; whether he is aware it is alleged locally that outsiders were brought in by the Commissioners for the purpose of pushing up the price on the local landless men and small-holders who were anxious to secure portions of same at a reasonable price; whether a division scheme has been prepared or sanctioned for this estate: and, if so, when it will be put into operation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Letting of Laoighis Lands.
Mr. Boland
The Kenny Estate, Rossdarragh, Record No. S. 8291, comprises 547 acres vested in the Land Commission but for which a division scheme has not yet been completed. In the usual course the lands were put up on 4th February last for letting by public auction in portions for grazing and conacre for the present season. No adequate bids were made at the auction, save in the case of some 65 statute acres let in conacre for £160. This letting was subsequently surrendered by the lessee owing, it is understood, to inducements made to him locally.
Some time after the auction a group of six local farmers approached the auctioneer, who made a letting of 380 acres to them at an agreed price. Lettings of the tillage portion not disposed of at the auction were made by the auctioneer about the same time to some of the local small farmers who had it last year. The 65 acres surrendered were also let to the parties who had rented that area last year, at the same rate as they had been let at the auction. Thus the position now is that the whole estate of 547 acres is let to local people.
There is no foundation for the suggestion that "outsiders were brought in by the Land Commission for the purpose of pushing up the price". Obviously at a public auction it is open for anyone, local or otherwise, to bid and all bidders are welcome. The local people cannot reasonably expect to get the land below its public letting value, and the Land Commission will not countenance any attempt to intimidate bidders.