asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have yet reached a decision in connection with the proposal to acquire the lands of the representatives of Henry Glover (Record No. U. 2435), County Roscommon, for the purpose of relieving congestion in the locality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Lands.
An objection to the acquisition of these lands has been disallowed and the proceedings are being continued.
Could we have any indication as to when arrangements will be made to have this farm acquired?
The Deputy must be aware that the proceedings of the Land Commission are governed by statute and that a certain legal procedure has to be followed. All I can do is call the attention of the commissioners to representations made to me in this House or elsewhere. In the particular case, an offer was issued to the solicitor towards the end of last year, but a reply has not yet been received.
There are only two speeds in the Land Commission—dead slow and stop.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have considered the propriety of acquiring the Watson estate (formerly Hanley estate), Mountveagh, Strokestown, for the relief of congestion; and, if so, with what effect.
Proceedings are in progress for the acquisition of the Watson estate.
Is the Minister aware that in March, 1950, I got a reply telling me that this matter was under consideration? It has now got to the stage at which proceedings are going to be taken for acquisition, so that two years elapsed before any action was taken.
The point is that the procedure laid down has to be followed. If the House wishes to speed up the procedure or to adopt more authoritarian measures, let the House do so. I have no power to interfere with the Land Commissioners who have their duties laid down for them by this House. I can only call their attention to these matters.
Does the Minister mean to say that he is a Minister without power?
asked the Minister for Lands if he is now in a position to state when the Land Commission will put into operation a scheme for the division of the Henry estate, Aughalard, Lacken, Strokestown, County Roscommon.
It is not possible at present to state when the lands in question will be allotted. They are to be dealt with in conjunction with other lands in the area, which are the subject of resumption proceedings. These proceedings are nearing completion.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have yet completed the scheme for the allotment of the Rockville estate, County Roscommon; and, if so, when it is likely to be put into operation.
A comprehensive scheme for the allotment of the Rockville estate and other estates in the area, comprising in all about 1,000 acres, is in course of preparation. Apart from the large area involved, the preparation of a scheme presents difficulties, as it will entail the rearrangement of holdings. The matter is being expedited, and it is hoped to allot the lands in the coming spring.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have prepared a scheme for the division of the McCormack estate at Grange, County Roscommon; and, if so, when it is intended to put this scheme into effect.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have prepared a scheme for the allotment of the estate of Mr. John P. Clarke in Kiltrustan and Greywood, Strokestown, County Roscommon; and, if so, when it is likely to be put into operation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will take together Questions Nos. 30 and 31.
Schemes for the allotment of these estates have not yet been completed.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have completed the scheme for the allotment of the nonresidential farm of Mr. Clarke situated at Hollywell, County Roscommon; and, if so, when it is intended to put this scheme into operation.
A scheme for the allotment of this estate is in course of preparation, but it is doubtful if it will be possible to allot the lands during the current year.