asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of local applications received by the Land Commission for vacant houses situated on the Atkinson estate, Cremorgan, Timahoe, County Laoighis, how many houses are unoccupied and for what period, whether one of the houses is sometimes used for sheltering cattle, also if he can state if any part of these lands is let by persons who failed to occupy houses provided for them at public expense many years ago; and, if so, what action it is proposed to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Atkinson Estate (Leix).
Of the 32 allotments on this estate, 25 have been vested in the allottees. The Land Commission have no control over the vested allottees and have no information as to the user and occupancy of their parcels. Consequently, it is not possible to supply the detailed information sought in the question.
As regards the unvested parcels, three are accommodation plots, one is a sportsfield and three are full holdings, with dwelling-houses. The Land Commission have recovered possession of one of these holdings on which the house is vacant. Another case is under observation for recovery of possession.
Is it a fact that three of the holdings that were given to imported people about 17 years ago have not yet been occupied? Further, is it a fact that some of the lands referred to are being let to one of the biggest industrialists in the Midlands and also to an auctioneer, and have the natives of this area no rights at all to holdings? How does the Minister justify the failure of three allottees to take up possession of holdings given to them so many years ago? Is it right and proper that one of the dwelling-houses should be used for sheltering cattle while there so many uneconomic holders living in the area?
If the tenants are vested. I have explained that the Land Commission have no control over the user and occupancy of their holdings. If we are to do what the Deputy wants us to do we may have to alter the law.