asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the reasons why Mrs. Kate Varley, Mrs. Mary Moore, Michael Moore, and Patrick Joyce were refused plots at Clogher, Cong, County Mayo.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applications for Mayo Plots.
The position was fully explained in the Land Commission's letter of 23rd December, 1946, to the solicitor acting for these persons, who are residents in Cong village. The land was acquired for afforestation and its subdivision among village residents is not feasible.
Does the Minister consider that the land is more urgently required for afforestation purposes— good, arable land as it is—rather than that it should be given to those town dwellers, as I may call them, who require a plot for a cow in order to have milk or who may need it for other purposes? I understand it is the usual custom of the Land Commission to do this. There are four townspeople who deserve to get a plot and I suggest it would be better to give it to them rather than use the land for planting. They should get first preference. Has the Minister nothing to say on this matter?
I might, if I am asked a question.
I am asking the Minister does he consider that good, arable land should be planted when there are townspeople who want plots and who have no other chance of getting a plot for a cow in such a little town as Cong?
I do not think it is the business of the Land Commission to provide plots for any particular people. In this case, the estate was acquired for the purpose of afforestation. It is being vested, in the national interest, in the Land Commission and, if some people are inconvenienced, we cannot help that. The estate must be used for national purposes and in the best fashion, and it is being so used.