§ Mr. LYNCHasked at what stage the negotiations have arrived in regard to the Farrihy estate, West Clare, of Mr. R. J. Stacpoole; and whether, when terms are adjusted, care will be taken that the tenants acquire sufficient turbary for their use without undue charge?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are not, at present, contemplating the purchase of this estate.
§ Mr. SCANLANasked what progress the Congested Districts Board have made in acquiring, for the relief of congestion, and for the purposes of the Land Act of 1909, the untenanted lands known as the Seven Cartrons, on the estate of Sir Jocelyn Gore-Booth, county Sligo; whether any offer has been made for purchase by the Board; and whether, if the landlord refuses to sell, the Board will put into force the compulsory powers of the Building Act?
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§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to his previous questions on this subject to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. SCANLANasked whether the Estates Commissioners have now acquired the lands of Ballygrehan on the estate of Sir Henry E. King, Templeboy, county Sligo; and when they expect to be able to divide this estate amongst the tenants and others entitled to a division of these lands?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Estates Commissioners have issued their proposal to purchase the lands referred to, but have not yet heard whether the owner, who is understood to be abroad at present, is willing to accept their offer or not.
§ Mr. VINCENT KENNEDYasked when the holdings on the G. B. Little estate, county Cavan, were vested in the tenants; when were the purchase agreements filed; and were contracts entered into for the building of houses and offices on the new holdings on this estate, giving the name of the contractor or contractors, and stating whether the contracts were confined or tenders asked for?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThis estate was the subject of proceedings in the Land Judge's Court, and was acquired by the Estates Commissioners in 1907, when undertakings were signed by the evicted tenants amongst whom the lands were allotted. The vesting of the allotments, except one, has been deferred, as they were not worked to the satisfaction of the Commissioners. Tenders for the erection of six houses on the allotments were received, and a contract for these houses was entered into with John Blomfield, junior, Brookeboro.
§ Mr. DORISasked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet taken any steps to acquire the Livingstone Estate, situate in Kilmeena parish, county Mayo, including the large non-residential grazing farm at Knocknabola, held by Mr. Jacob D. Beckett, Estates Commission valuer; and, if not, whether, having regard to the congested condition of the district, they will take such steps at an early date?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board are making inquiries as regards this estate.