asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a considerable portion of the McAnish demesne, Tourmakeady, County Mayo, which has been acquired by the Forestry Branch of his Department, is good arable land suitable for the relief of congestion, and that many tenants in Derryveeny, Treanlaur and Cappaduff have valuations as low as one pound; and, if so, if he will request the Land Commission to utilise this demesne for the purpose of relieving the very acute congestion existing in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Mayo Demesne.
The information available to the Land Commission indicates that there is no considerable area of good arable land in this estate and the balance of opinion is that it is most suitable for development as a forestry centre. I would point out to the Deputy that the opening of a forest centre offers opportunities to the smallholders to obtain cash employment as a very useful means of supplementing their ordinary earnings.
Congestion does exist in this area and the Land Commission are taking active steps to relieve it in the usual way.