asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made by the Land Commission in connection with the preparation of a rearrangement scheme for the Tredennick estate, County Roscommon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Rearrangement.
The rearrangement of the Tredennick estate cannot be attempted until a reasonable area of untenanted land has been made available by way of resumption or exchange.
The Land Commission have recently made a very extensive survey of the possibilities of obtaining such land but it is as yet too early to suggest what the total result may be in terms of land acquired.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, might I inquire whether he is aware that in this area also there is a large number of people living in what I would describe as condemned houses and that in view of the fact that they have been expecting for years to be removed from the area they have not taken advantage of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act or of county council grants to build new houses? It is quite likely that they will be removed and in view of these aspects would the Minister not consider it a matter of urgency to get the Land Commission to deal with these pockets of congestion prior to dealing with congestion in areas where it is a less urgent matter?
These are exactly the instructions the Land Commission have —they have been instructed to deal with the worst areas first. I am quite aware that this is one of the worst areas and the Land Commission are dealing with it on that basis and are concerned with 35 holdings in the area.
That is better news.