§ Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the grazing ranch of Branchfield, at present in the nominal occupation of Mr. McKimm and situate in the parish of Mullinabreena, Tubbercurry rural district, county Sligo, had yet been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Boards; and, if not, whether, seeing that the average value of the other holdings on that estate does not exceed £3, and that this farm, if divided, would relieve congestion in the district, the Board will open negotiations at once for the purchase of this farm?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board were informed that the farm in question was the subject of proceedings before the Estates Commissioners, and they therefore declined to enter into negotiations for its purchase until it was vested in Mr. McKimm.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on the 23rd May, 1910, a memorial signed by a number of cottiers residing in the congested districts of Carnaleck and Ballyglass, situate near Cloonacool, Tubbercurry rural district, county Sligo, was sent to the Congested Districts Board, in which it was pointed out that there were four nonresidential farms and one grazing ranch in the neighbourhood suitable for the enlargement of small holdings; whether one of the farms referred to in the memorial, namely, Carnaleck, has recently been purchased over the heads of the tenants by a police pensioner named Henry; and, if so, what action the Board propose to take in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board did not receive the memorial referred to, but received several other memorials asking them to negotiate for the purchase of these lands, and they have communicated with the owner. The lands 1376 of Ballyglass, including 343 acres of untenanted land, have been offered to the Board, and will be inspected as soon as practicable. The lands of Carnaleck have not been offered to the Board, who have no information as to the alleged purchase of this farm.
§ Mr. BOLANDasked whether the Congested Districts Board have taken any and, if so, what steps to complete the negotiations for the purpose of the Blenner-hassett estate, near Caragh, county Kerry?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board offered to negotiate with the tenants for the sale of the unsold portion of the estate, and were informed that the owner was not prepared to agree to this on the proposed terms. They will again communicate with the agent.