asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what is the present position regarding the lands on the Weldon Estate, Kilmaroney, Athy, in the Counties of Kildare and Leix; if he will direct the attention of the Land Commission to the claims of the local smallholders, landless men and Old I.R.A. men for allotments of land; whether he is aware that the estate has been sold recently to James Owens, Ballyroe, Athy, with the result that much dissatisfaction has been caused in the area; and if he will undertake to have the lands acquired for division without delay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Weldon Estate, Athy.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to his previous question of 27th June, 1945, regarding this estate. The Land Commission have no information as to whether the lands have been recently sold, but any such sale would not prevent the possible exercise in future of the powers for acquiring lands for division accorded to the Land Commission under the Land Acts.