HC Deb 13 November 1911 vol 31 cc158-9W
Mr. LUNDON

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners approached at any time Mr. Abel Buckley, of Galtee Castle, Mitehelstown, county Cork, with a view to the purchase of any untenanted land; and, if so, what result came of the negotiations?

Mr. BIRRELL

This estate was sold direct under the Irish Land Act, 1903, by the owner to the tenants, who signed purchase agreements for their holdings. The land, in the owner's hands, which he is working himself, is not included in the lands for sale, and the Estates Commissioners are not in negotiation for the purchase thereof.

Mr. GINNELL

asked when the Congested Districts Board will carry out the sale and settlement of the Foxborough estate, near Killina, county Roscommon, now managed by Mr. Timothy Rorke; and, seeing that all the tenanted holdings on the estate are uneconomic, whether they will be enlarged by the distribution of the untenanted grass farm on the estate?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board are unable to identify the estate from the particulars given. If the name and address of the owner, and the names of the townlands comprising the property are furnished, inquiry will be made.

Mr. JAMES O'KELLY

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will advise the Congested Districts Board to use their compulsory powers to purchase immediately that portion of the M'Causland estate, known as Kloneen Hartland ranch, for distribution among the uneconomic tenants?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board are at present considering the question of purchasing the lands referred to, and they are not able at present to make any more definite statement in the matter.

Mr. JAMES O'KELLY

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the following gentlemen express their willingness to sell their grazing farms to the Congested Districts Board on fair terms, namely, Mr. O'Donnell, Larkfield, Manor-hamilton, Colonel T. Y. L. Kirkwood, and Abraham O'Connor; and will the Board place itself in communication with these gentlemen?

Mr. BIRRELL

The Congested Districts Board have during the present month been informed that the owners of the farms referred to expressed their willingness to negotiate for a sale through the Board. Colonel Kirkwood has since died, and the Board will communicate with his representatives and with the two other owners mentioned.