§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Burton Persse has parted with part of his estate in the neighbourhood of Athenry to the Estates Commissioners, he will advise the same body to take over the Boyhill farm, which Mr. Persse is willing to part with?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThe lands referred to are situate in the congested districts of county Galway. If the owner institutes proceedings for sale of these lands to the Estates Commissioners they will consider whether this is a case in which they should ask the consent of the Congested Districts Board to the acquisition of the lands under Section 58 of the Irish Land Act, 1909.
§ Mr. DUFFYasked whether the Congested Districts Board has received any memorials from the tenants on Lord Ash-town's estate and the neighbouring estates asking the Board to communicate with Lord Ashtown in reference to the sale of large tracts of untenanted land which he holds in the district; and what steps have the Board taken in the matter?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have received memorials from the tenants respecting the purchase of the estate referred to. The Board accordingly informed the agent that they would be prepared to negotiate for the purchase of such lands as the landlord would be prepared to sell, but no offer of the lands has been made to them.
§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that Mr. M. M'Donagh, of Galway, expressed a willingness, through his solicitor, Mr. Blake, at the late quarter sessions, at Loughrea, to sell the interest of his farm at Monatigue, Craughwell, county Galway; have the Congested Districts Board refused to purchase on the ground of not having money to purchase; and, if so, can he say if any steps have been taken lately to open negotiations with a view to purchase?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMr. McDonagh has offered to sell to the Congested Districts Board his interest in the farm referred to. The lands will be valued and an offer made as soon as practicable having regard to the claims of other cases.
§ Mr. DUFFYasked the Chief Secretary if he will inquire as to whether the Estates Commissioners intend sanctioning the sale of the farm known as the Kiltulla farm, Oranmore, on the property of Theobald Blake, to some people living a distance away from the farm; whether the owner has expressed his willingness to sell to the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board; and whether, in view of the state of congestion which exists in the district, he will advise the taking over of this farm in the interests of the uneconomic tenants in the district?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners and the Congested Districts Board are unable to identify the lands referred to as pending for sale before them.