asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position in regard to the application to have the Fox-Russell estate, Ballyneety, County Limerick, divided among the uneconomic holders in the locality.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Division and Acquisition.
The Land Commission have taken certain action in this case but for the present their dealings must be treated as confidential.
asked the Minister for Lands what is the present position in regard to the proposal to acquire and divide the Lloyd estate, Portnord, Cappamore, County Limerick.
Proceedings in this case are well advanced but the question of price has not been finally fixed.
asked the Minister for Lands whether, in regard to the proposed acquisition of 1,300 acres of land in the Drumconrath-Syddan-Nobber area, County Meath, the Land Commission have carried out an examination of the uneconomic landholders in the area, and, if so, if he will state the number of such holders and the number to whom it is proposed to give additions of land.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have carried out an examination of the uneconomic landholders in the Meath Hill-Barley Hill area, County Meath, and if he will state the number of such holders in the area, and the number it is proposed to accomodate with additions of land.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
The position as to congestion in the immediate vicinity of each estate is fully examined by the Land Commission in connection with their proposals for the acquisition of an estate, but they do not generally carry out surveys of congestion in larger areas such as those referred to by the Deputy. The Land Commission are aware that there is congestion in the districts mentioned but they are unable to state the number who may ultimately benefit by way of allotments on any lands that may be acquired.
Arising out of the reply, will the Minister say that the acquisition of these 1,300 acres of land will mean that uneconomic holders in the area will be given economic holdings, and that the balance will be used to give land to other deserving applicants in the area?
All congests and uneconomic holders in the area concerned will, first of all, be considered. After that, uneconomic holders from outside will be taken into consideration.
So we can take it for granted from the Minister's reply that if there is land over and above what is needed for the relief of uneconomic holders within the area, that land will be utilised for the statutory objects of the Land Commission—the relief of congestion in other areas?
That goes without saying.