§ Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the Congested Districts Board have approached Colonel Wood Martin, of Cleveragh, Sligo, with the view to the purchase of his estate, situate in the townlands of Killery, Bally-somaghaun, and Ballinakill, county Sligo; and, if not, will they do so, in view of the congestion on this estate?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board communicated with the agent of this estate, and were informed that the owner did not see his way to negotiate for a sale through them, but that he was willing to sell direct to his tenants on reasonable terms?
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked whether Colonel M'Clintock, of Dunmore, Carrigans, Londonderry, over twelve months ago offered his estate for sale to the Congested Districts Board, the estate situate in Coolock, Riverstown, county Sligo; and, if so, whether negotiations are now taking place in regard to the purchase of this property?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe estate referred to has not yet been offered for sale through the Congested Districts Board. The Board will now communicate with the owner.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the tenantry on the M'Loughry estate, situate in Clog-hogue, Tamplevanny, East Division, and union of Boyle (No. 2), the owner of which is Palmer M'Loughry, Esq., Riverstown, Ballymote, county Sligo, have appealed to the landlord for the purchase of their holdings under the Act of 1909; whether the landlord has refused to negotiate with the tenants; and, if not, whether action will be taken by the Congested Districts Board so that a sale may be brought about?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have no knowledge of the negotiations between owner and tenants for sale of this estate under the Act of 1909. The Board communicated with the owner asking whether he proposed to negotiate for a sale of his estate through them, but so far no definite reply has been received.
§ Mr. O'DOWDIn view of the state of discontent in the poor county of Sligo by reason of the fact that most of the estates are sold while others will not be offered for sale at all, will the Congested Districts Board take action?
§ Mr. BIRRELLYes, they have asked the owner whether he will sell, and have received no reply. They are pressing for a reply.
§ Mr. FRANCIS MEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that an arrangement between the tenants on the Buchanan estate, Ballinaglera, county Leitrim, and the landlord was made for the sale of the estate in July, 1909, but, owing to the death of the landlord, it has fallen through and the tenants are now being sued for all arrears of rent; and whether, having regard to these facts, the Congested Districts Board will intervene with a view of bringing about the sale of this estate and others yet unsold in the district?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board inform me that if the estate referred to is that of Mrs. Catherine J. Buchanan and others, townland of Annagh Lower, the Board in April, 1910, gave their consent to the completion of its purchase by the Estates Commissioners. The estate comprises some 167 acres of tenanted and nine acres of untenanted lands. The owner instituted formal proceedings for its sale to the Estates Commissioners in August, 1909, and the estate will be dealt with in order of priority. In the meantime the Commissioners cannot interfere with any steps which the owner may have taken to recover any rents due.