§ MR. O'DOWDTo ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Armstrong Estate, in Achenry, county Sligo, recently purchased by the Congested Districts Board, includes some 400 acres of untenanted land; that the tenants of this estate agreed to the terms of sale giving 24¾ years purchase to the landlord in the belief that these waste lands would be utilised for the enlargement of their uneconomic holdings; and will he say whether the Congested Districts Board contemplate bringing in persons from other counties and giving them these lands; and, if so, whether, as this course would mean the perpetuation of congestion in Achenry, inquirie, will be instituted with the view of first satisfying local wants and requirements before carrying out any scheme of migration.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The tenants on this estate have not at any time agreed to a price for their holdings, either with or without the untenanted land. The Board intend to enlarge the small holdings, and to utilise the remainder of the land for the benefit 858 of the small landowners in the adjacent congested districts. If any land remains, the claims of other land holders in the locality will be considered.