asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the fact that a number of tenants on the Potts Estate, Record No. S.2171, who have land on both sides of the River Suck, have no means of getting to their land on the Galway side except by road, which entails a long journey; and whether in view of the prohibitive cost of erecting a bridge he will direct the attention of the Land Commission to the necessity of carrying out a rearrangement scheme of the holdings affected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rearrangement of Roscommon Lands.
42.
I understand that the areas on the Galway side of the river comprises callow land suitable for grazing only so there should be little need for frequent visits there. However, I shall have the Deputy's suggestion in this matter brought to the notice of the Land Commission for consideration.
I am grateful to the Minister for that. Will he bear in mind, when bringing this matter to the notice of the Land Commission, that the only means available to these people to get to this callow land on the other side of the River Suck is a journey by road of 17 miles? Will he ask the Land Commission how they reconcile that with efficient farming in the light of our proposed entry into the Common Market?
All that has been said is that this is callow grazing land and therefore the same number of visits would not be necessary as would be normally the case in regard to mixed tillage and so on.
Is the Minister aware that callow land to the small-holder may be of greater benefit and of greater importance to him than 40 acres of good land would be to the man with 300 acres? In view of that and in view of the small amount of land involved, would the Minister not consider having the holdings rearranged on the one side of the river in order to get rid of this nonsensical situation?
As I have told the Deputy, I shall have the matter examined.