asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission will divide and allot the lands on the Robinson estate, Kilnacash, Mountmellick, County Laois.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois-Offaly Lands.
Arrangements for the purchase of this estate though well advanced have not yet been completed, The preparation of a scheme of division cannot be put in hands until such time as possession has been obtained by the Land Commission.
asked the Minister for Lands when it will be possible for the Land Commission to give a decision as to whether they will acquire for division the Fetherstonhaugh estate, Killeen, Mountmellick, County Laois.
Inquiries regarding this estate, which comprises almost 600 acres, are in progress. Just now I cannot forecast the outcome.
Could the Minister say when it will be possible for the Land Commission to indicate when a decision will be reached in this case, having regard to the fact that it is a 600 acre farm, in an area in which there is great congestion?
The Land Commission, I understand, is in negotiation on this matter.
If the Minister is prepared to go to Carlow and Wexford, would he also go to Laois to see to this question himself?
In reply to the Deputy, I have not the slightest intention of interfering in the Land Commission's work in this connection. I have not the slightest intention of acting as a Land Commissioner or of interfering with the independent work of the Land Commission.
Does the Minister then regard the Land Commission as an infallible body?
I regard it as my duty to ensure that the Land Commission acts with fairness and absolute impartiality. I am not going to interfere with its individual duties.
Do not get vexed over it.
Deputy Flanagan should cease interrupting and listen to the answers to his questions.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will indicate the lands, and their respective areas, acquired by the Land Commission for division in County Laoghis and in County Offaly; the estates which have been inspected; and the estates it is hoped to divide during the spring in time for sowing this year.
Particulars of lands on hands in these two counties are set out in a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will be circulated in the Official Report.
Since 1st April, 1957, the Land Commission have had detailed inspections made in respect of three estates comprising 257 acres in County Laois and three further estates comprising 939 acres in County Offaly. At present, negotiations are in progress for the voluntary purchase of 11 properties comprising some 5,000 acres in Counties Laois and Offaly but it would be a breach of confidence if details were disclosed at this stage.
Already this year, an area of 261 acres has been allotted in Counties Laois and Offaly but at present I am unable to say what further lands will be distributed in these counties during the current season.
The following are particulars of lands on hands, apart from remnants of allotted estates:
COUNTY LAOIS
|
Estate |
Record Number |
Lands |
Area (acres) |
|
O'Connor |
S.20254 |
Coolnabacky |
155 |
|
Abbeyleix Est. Co. |
S.9963 |
Clonaddadoran, etc. |
1,120 |
|
Costello |
M.5454 |
Ballyhuppahane |
10 |
|
Moyles |
S.21155 |
Coolnabacky and Timogue |
216 |
|
Dowling |
S.20828 |
Castlefleming |
167 |
|
Dennehy |
S.21130 |
Derrybrock |
86 |
|
Hosey |
S.20807 |
Ardough or Huntspark |
146 |
COUNTY OFFALY
|
Estate |
Record Number |
Lands |
Area (acres) |
|
Ryan |
S.20364 |
Thomastown Demesne |
585 |
|
Minchin |
S.20789 |
Busherstown |
422 |
|
Lovett Bennett |
S.20635 |
Grange |
331 |
|
Curley |
M.5307 |
Creevagh |
12 |
|
Gowing (Prendergast) |
S.21118 |
Kilmurry |
389 |
|
Odlum |
S.21166 |
Clonyquin |
206 |
|
Smith |
S.1006/29 |
Laurencetown |
86 |
|
Rolleston |
S.21253 |
Franckford |
226 |
|
Reddy |
S.1043/29 |
Ballybrittan |
66 |
|
Carroll |
S.21274 |
Rath Beg |
98 |
|
Atkinson |
S.21271 |
Cangort |
371 |