asked the Minister for Lands if he has received repeated representations urging him to acquire and divide a large number of estates in the Counties of Laoighis and Offaly, including the following: Trench estate, Ballybrittas; Alley estate, Knockaroo; Young estate, Brockley Park, Stradbally; Gillece-Lynam estate, Clonbullogue; Colton estate, Daingean; Corcoran estate, Oakley Park, Birr; if he is aware that offers for the purchase of some of these estates, by private treaty, have been made by persons other than Irish citizens; and if he will state what steps, if any, have been taken to acquire and divide these and other estates in the counties concerned amongst the most deserving local applicants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laoighis and Offaly Estates.
On a number of occasions I have explained to the House that except for what is being done in the congested districts counties, it is not practicable, in present circumstances, for the Land Commission to open up new proceedings for the acquisition of lands.
One of the cases referred to by the Deputy, that of the Gillece estate at Clonbullogue, involves a question of acquiring turbary and steps are being taken to have it investigated as soon as possible. In the remaining cases I cannot say when the Land Commission may be in a position to take any action. I have made that clear already in reply to previous questions regarding the particular estates of Trench at Glenmalyre, Ballybrittas and Alley at Knockaroo, Borris-in-Ossory.
In view of the fact that some of these estates such as the Alley estate have been under consideration for the past 23 years, and in view of the negative and unsatisfactory manner of the Minister, I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.