asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the Land Commission have carried out a survey of the Clonown area, County Roscommon, with a view to relieving congestion there, and, if so, with what result.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Congestion.
In view of the present very extensive flooding (which exceeds any in living memory) it has been considered necessary to resurvey the entire area, which includes Clonown and several other townlands. This survey is still proceeding and cannot be concluded until the flood waters recede as many of the holdings are either inundated or inaccessible. It is hoped, however, that the out-turn of events so far as the Land Commission are concerned will be the early migration of some landholders on the fringe of the flooded area whose vacated lands will provide dry building sites and dry stands for stock in time of flood. Some tenants have already expressed their willingness to migrate for that purpose.
Is the Minister aware that a similar question was asked in the House just two years ago, this month, and that the reply at the time was that there was serious flooding, and that "a survey of the Clonown area has now been carried out and is under examination at present"? If that was the position two years ago, can the Minister give an assurance that this time the actual people who are willing to move will be given these alternative holdings?
I can give an assurance that positive action will be taken in the shortest possible time. I am not responsible for what happened two years ago.
With regard to positive action, can I take it that means that the people in Clonown who are willing to change to other holdings will be given these alternative holdings away from the flooded areas?
So far as the Government is concerned and so far as I am concerned, I would like to see priority given to the holders in this particular area. I do admit that it should not be left until now to be done.
You would like to see it given? Will it be given?
If I might say this to the Deputy: he would be doing a great deal of good if he could urge cooperation among the tenants with the Land Commission inspectors when they go out there.
Two years ago I submitted the names of people who are anxious to go and they have not been visited yet.