§ Mr. DANIEL BOYLEasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what progress has been made by the Congested Districts Board towards the purchase of the estate of Colonel Ormsby, parish of Kilfian, North Mayo; and to what cause the delay in dealing with this estate, first by the Estates Commissioners and afterwards by the Congested Districts Board, is attributable?
§ Mr. BIRRELLIf the estate referred to is that of the late Miss Marion Ormsby, including the townlands of Annaghmore, Glencalry, Lower Breaffy, Ratheskin, Annaghbeg, and Ummerantarry, the Congested Districts Board are negotiating with the owner, who is at present having forms and maps prepared to enable the Board to inspect the lands with a view to making an offer for their purchase. Preliminary inquiries were made by the Estates Commissioners with a view to the acquisition of 208 acres of the townland of Gortnaraby on this estate, but no formal proceedings were instituted, as the Congested Districts Board did not give their consent under Section 58 of the Irish Land Act, 1909.