Vol. 287 No. 8
asked the Minister for Lands the arrangements, if any, which have been made between the Land Commission and the Agricultural Institute regarding the working of the Castlehackett estate, Belclare, Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
6.
asked the Minister for Lands the proposals completed by the Land Commission for the purchase of the Castlehackett estate, Belclare, Tuam, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Cavan): With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 6 together.
Proceedings are in progress for the compulsory acquisition of portion of the property referred to but it is not possible at this stage to say what the outcome of these proceedings will be.
No arrangements have been made by the Land Commission with the Agricultural Institute in regard to the working of the lands.
What efforts have the Minister and the Department made to finalise an arrangement between the Land Commission and the Agricultural Institute regarding the working of this estate?
(Cavan): The position is that the statutory notices were served on the owner and his solicitors on the 27th June, 1975. An objection to the acquisition was lodged on behalf of the owner by his solicitors on 11th July, 1975. Discussions have been going on between the interested parties in the meantime.
I am asking in particular about the arrangement between the Land Commission and the Agricultural Institute. The Minister is surely aware that there are quite a number of farmers in this area who need land badly and are very anxious for additions of land. I am sure the Agricultural Institute also would like to know their position. I was hoping the Minister would clarify the position here today.
(Cavan): I have not got that information on the file.
Would the Minister consult with his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, who has responsibility for the Agricultural Institute, and perhaps both of them would endeavour to finalise arrangements between the Land Commission and the institute?
(Cavan): I certainly will convey the Deputy's suggestion to the Minister and have a chat with him.
