§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a resolution from the tenantry of the Percival estate, situate in Templehouse, Bally-mote, union of Tubbercurry, county Sligo, pointing out that a state of discontent prevails in the locality by reason of the fact that all the surrounding estates have long ago been purchased under the operation of recent Acts, and calling on the Congested Districts Board to take immediate action in regard to the purchase of this estate; and, if so, whether, in the interests of the peace of the districts, steps will at once be taken by the Board to acquire this property, compulsorily or otherwise?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have received a copy of the966W resolution referred to. The agent for the property was written to, but the estate has not so far been offered for sale through the Board. The question of compulsorily acquiring this estate has not been considered by the Board.
§ Mr. O'DOWDasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the estates of Owen Phibbs, Esquire, of Seafield, Sligo, comprising the townlands of Kilamonagh, Ardcotton, and Carricknagat, near Cullooney, county Sligo, and of Miss Charlotte Cooper, of the Croft, Carysfoot Road, Buscombe, Surrey, comprising the town-lands of Knockmullen and Cartron, also situate near Cullooney, union of Sligo, still remain unsold, although the tenantry on these estates have made repeated offers for the purchase of their holdings during the past six years, which offers were always refused; whether the Congested Districts Board have yet approached these landlords with a view to purchase; and, if so, can he say with what result?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe estates referred to have not been purchased by the Congested Districts Board, who have been informed by the tenants that they have approached the owners regarding a sale. The Board communicated with the agents for these properties, and informed them that they were willing to negotiate for a sale, but so far no replies have been received. The Board will make a further effort for the purchase of these estates.