asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have yet prepared a scheme for the sub-division of the Higgins lands, Brannick estate, Kilclooney, Milltown, County Galway, and whether it is intended to allocate these lands solely among adjoining uneconomic congests.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Acquisition and Division.
A scheme for the division of these lands has not yet been prepared but it is hoped to commence it very soon. Pending completion of the scheme it is not possible to state how the lands will be allotted, but the claims of all adjoining uneconomic holders will be given full consideration.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have as yet acquired the estate of Miss Eileen Creaven, Cloghanower, County Galway, Record No. S.7876, and, if so, when it is proposed to have a scheme for the sub-division of these lands prepared.
The owner's objection to acquisition of the lands has been disallowed, but the question of price remains to be settled.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position regarding the acquisition by the Land Commission of the estate of Miss D. Rooney, Cottage, Barnaderg, County Galway, Record No. S.9836.
Possession of these lands was obtained by the Land Commission on 3rd January, 1956.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have prepared a scheme for the division of the Daly estate, Lisagallon, County Roscommon, and, if so, when it is likely to be put into operation.
A scheme for the division of these lands has not yet been prepared.
This farm was taken over nearly two years ago and surely the time is now ripe for a scheme for its division to be put into operation? Could the Parliamentary Secretary give us any indication as to whether a scheme is in process of preparation?
Yes, it is.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have given any further consideration to the propriety of acquiring the lands formerly owned by John Towey, Teelawn, Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Folio No. 5456, and, if so, with what result.
The Land Commission have no proceedings for the acquisition of the lands but the matter has been noted.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on the last occasion on which I drafted a question in connection with this farm, I was told that a certain statutory period of time had to elapse before the Land Commission could decide to acquire? Is he in a position to state whether that statutory period has now elapsed?
I am not, but I will let the Deputy know.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position in regard to the acquisition by the Land Commission of the French estate, which is situated in the townland of Clooneyquinn, County Roscommon.
The Land Commission have completed their inquiries in connection with this estate. Negotiations with the owner are at present in progress, but these must be treated as confidential.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have given any further consideration to the question of acquiring Mr. Peter Kelly's non-residential farm at Tonlagee, on the Reynolds estate, County Roscommon, and, if so, with what result.
The Land Commission have re-examined this case within the past year but they decided to adhere to their decision not to take any action regarding the acquisition of the lands for the present. The matter, however, will be kept under review.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Corscadden estate, Cooper Hill, Drogheda, has been acquired by the Land Commission for division among deserving local applicants.
Negotiations for the purchase of these lands are proceeding but some difficulties have yet to be removed before the lands come into the possession of the Land Commission.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Maguire estate, Mullaghea, Kells, has been acquired by the Land Commission, and, if so, what arrangements have been made for the allotment of the estate among deserving local applicants.
Proceedings for the acquisition of this estate are at an advanced stage, but the Land Commission have not yet obtained possession of the lands.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the bush telegraph which operates from the Land Commission to certain politicians in this country has already allocated those lands, and will he state what is the exact position?
If the Deputy is referring to me, he is making a big mistake.
I did not get Deputy Hilliard's reply.
Perhaps he is referring to Deputy Giles, his pal.
With your permission, Sir, perhaps Deputy Hilliard would speak even here now so that he can be heard.
That can be settled down in the plains of Meath.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that a large portion of the Dunsany estate, Dunsany, County Meath, is neglected and has become unproductive, and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that there are many uneconomic holders in the area and of the necessity for giving much needed employment, the Land Commission will have the estate inspected for the purpose of acquiring the neglected portion for division amongst suitable applicants.
The Land Commission have fully considered this case and have decided not to institute proceedings for acquisition of any portion of the estate. Recent information available to the Land Commission indicates that there are no grounds for having further inquiries made, the lands being satisfactorily worked and giving good employment.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this large area of land is lying derelict instead of being used productively? It is a public disgrace that it has not been taken over. Could the Parliamentary Secretary say who are the officers who inspected this holding?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the information supplied to the Land Commission on the last investigation of that land was entirely incorrect and that when that matter was brought to the notice of the Land Commission apparently no attempt was made to re-check the figures because 24 was supposed to be the number employed whereas about nine was the correct number?
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) the cause of the delay in allocating the remaining portion of the Langford estate, Summerhill, County Meath, which has been in the hands of the Land Commission for many years, and (b) whether local uneconomic holders and cottage tenants will be considered for allotments on this estate.
As intimated in my reply to a previous question on 1st December, 1954, preparation of final plans for the allotment of the balance of this estate was deferred pending the outcome of negotiations for the purchase of other lands in the same locality. The latter lands have since been acquired and allotted mainly to local uneconomic holders. I expect that a scheme for the remainder of the Langford lands may be formulated next season and when this is being done, the claims of local applicants will be fully considered.