asked the Minister for Lands if he will state in regard to land recently divided by the Land Commission in Larganboy, Bally-haunis, County Mayo, (a) the total acreage of land divided, (b) the number of additions given, and (c) why one man (name supplied) was ignored and another (name supplied) was given a mere three acres.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Land Division.
14.
Following are the replies to the various parts of the question:—
(a) Approximately 40 acres of land.
(b) Six.
(c) Under section 12, Land Act, 1950, the selection of allottees is an excepted matter reserved to the Land Commissioners. In deciding as between applicants, the Land Commission have to take a variety of items into account but I would not wish to comment on, or openly compare, across the floor of the House, the private and, perhaps, personal matters of individuals.
I can say, however, that the limited area for disposal in this case comprised eight scattered plots situated in an area of intense congestion. There were upwards of 50 eligible applicants within a mile of the lands. In the circumstances, only a small proportion of deserving claimants could be accommodated and it was inevitable that some disappointment would result—either because applicants were unsuccessful or because their allotments did not measure up to their expectations. I am satisfied that the lands were allocated by the Commissioners as equitably as the prevailing conditions permitted.
Efforts by the Land Commission to acquire other lands in this district are continuing: in fact, an area of some 28 acres is currently the subject of proceedings which, when concluded, will result in a further measure of relief for the locality.