§ 61. Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether he is aware that in the small parish of Ballyrush, situate near Ballymote, union of Sligo, there are over 1,800 acres of waste land held by Mr. Hugh M'Guire, Ballintogher, Collooney, county Sligo, Mr. Luke Irwin, J.P., Raheen, Boyle, county Roscommon, and nine other non-residential graziers, whilst the inhabitants of the district are 973 for the most part living on reclaimed bog patches; and, if so, whether the Congested Districts Board will take immediate steps to acquire these lands for the relief of congestion and the enlargement of uneconomic holdings?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board understand that Mr. Hugh M'Guire and Mr. Luke Irwin hold as tenant purchasers, and they have therefore no power to acquire the lands compulsorily. The other grazing farms referred to cannot be identified without further particulars.
§ 63. Mr. O'DOWDasked whether the Killross grazing farm, situate in Killross, Ballintogher, West division, union of Sligo, has long ago been inspected by the Congested Districts Board with the view of purchase for the relief of congestion on the Hewetson estate in that locality, and the present occupier of the said farm, Mr. John Connolly, J.P., of Sligo, is willing to treat with the Board for the sale of same; and, if so, whether the Board can now see their way to take immediate action, with the view of bringing negotiations to a successful termination?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe farm referred to has not been inspected by the Congested Districts Board. The Hewetson estate has not been offered for sale to the Board, and until the Board acquire the landlord's interest, they could not deal with a farm even though a tenant might be willing to sell to the Board. Inquiries will be made as to whether the owners of the Hewetson estate will offer the property for sale through the Board.