asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present stage of the Land Commission proceedings relating to the (a) Kirwan Estate, Gardenfield, Tuam; (b) Mylotte Estate, Ardour, Kilconly, Tuam, and (c) Blake Estate, Corbally, Cummer, County Galway.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition and Division of Lands.
The Land Commission have obtained possession of the Mylotte and Blake Estates; proceedings are far advanced in the case of the Kirwan Estate and possession may be obtained early next year. It is not yet possible to state when the lands will be divided.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state how much land has been acquired by the Land Commission for division amongst smallholders in County Wexford, and in what areas.
I take it that the Deputy's question refers to current work only. At present the Land Commission are in possession of 259 acres at Galbally, near Enniscorthy, of 32 acres in the townland of Coolgarrow, also near Enniscorthy; in addition possession of another three estates comprising 720 acres is expected very shortly. The claims of small holders living near these lands will be fully considered.
Would the Minister indicate the location of the 720 acres?
I said three estates. There are three estates in question.
You said 720 acres.
I thought the Minister said that in a short time there would be 720 acres available, but that he did not specify the locality.
I said that in addition possession of another three estates, comprising 720 acres, is expected very shortly.
Could the Minister say where these three estates are?
One is an estate at Shillelagh consisting of 430 acres, William Smith. The other is north of Fethard and comprises 157 acres, and the third is in Pallas East.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have yet acquired the Mitchell-Henry estate (folio 17917), Kylemore, County Galway; and, if so, when it is proposed to allot it for the relief of uneconomic holders in the area.
There are no proceedings for the acquisition of these lands, but inquiries are being made in the matter.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state when the Land Commission propose to take over and allocate the O'Flaherty-Johnson estate (folio 22533), Innismore, Aran, County Galway, to uneconomic holders and landless applicants in the area.
After the Appeal Tribunal had fixed the price of this estate the Land Commission decided that it was inexpedient to proceed with the purchase of the lands and they accordingly withdrew. They are now debarred for some years from the compulsory acquisition of the estate.