§ MR. JOHN O'DONNELL (Mayo, S.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether negotiations have been entered into at any time with a landlord of a large grazing farm at Island, near Ballyhaunis, county Mayo, with a view to having it divided in such a way as to enlarge the holdings of those tenants whose holdings adjoin it; and, if so, whether there is any possibility of having a sale effected in the near future.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham) Negotiations were contemplated by the Congested Districts Board three years ago for the purchase of the Knox Estate, near Ballyhaunis, but they were not proceeded with. I am informed that an application has been received by the Estates Commissioners from Mr. C. E. Crean in respect to a property in the same neighbourhood. The Commissioners will investigate the circumstances with a view to facilitate, if possible, the enlargement of holdings on the property. I am unable to say, at short notice and with- 718 out further inquiry, whether this property is identical with that to which the Question has reference.