asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the land allotted to the tenants on the Meredith estate, Dicksgrove, County Kerry, in 1938 was not properly drained by the Land Commission; that these tenants cannot utilise the turf banks on the estate owing to the lack of drainage facilities and are compelled to purchase turbary five miles distant; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have the lands properly drained at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meredith Estate (Kerry).
The Meredith estate comprises 220 acres, of which only 11 acres are bog. It was divided in 1938, and the greater part of it has been revested in the allottees. In 1938, the Land Commission drained the bog and they carried out additional drainage works in 1941. The Land Commission do not propose to drain this bog again.
Is the Minister aware that the drainage work to which he has referred was not a success? It was not completed, and there is no hope of any relief from whatever drainage was carried through at that particular time. Is the Minister aware that these tenants have to travel from five to seven miles for turbary on another estate? Perhaps the Minister will reconsider the matter in view of these facts? I visited this place, and I am aware that 11 tenants cannot utilise the turf banks because of lack of drainage.
Once turbary or land is vested in an allottee, our responsibility to those to whom we allot the land or bog ceases, and from then on it is a matter for the Special Employment Schemes Office. We spent money in this area in 1938 on the occasion of the allotment, and again in 1941. After that the bog was vested in the 11 tenants. The Deputy should take the matter up with the Special Employment Schemes Office now, because our responsibility is finished.