Vol. 400 No. 3
61 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the number of undivided commonages in the country; the total acreage involved; the measures being taken to encourage division; the success to date of such measures; and his views on whether further measures are needed to encourage the process.
76 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the Government's position on the division of commonages; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 61 and 76 together.
It is the policy of the Government to encourage the division of commonages in the interests of better farm structure. To this end the services of my Department are available to shareholders who want to divide their commonages. Where all the shareholders apply assistance is given in mapping, vesting and registration. Where a majority of the shareholders apply the powers provided under the Land Acts are used to divide the commonage compulsorily.
In the division of commonages every effort is made to ensure that environmental interests are fully protected.
Statistics are not available on the number of undivided commonages in the country. It is estimated however that the total area involved is 1.5 million acres most of which is in the West of Ireland. Over the last ten years 323 commonages embracing 23,430 hectares have been divided. Proceedings are in progress in a number of other areas.
I am satisfied with the rate of progress in commonage division and I do not consider that further measures are required.
