§ Mr. DORISasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether Mr. Robert Acton accepted an offer, made about two years ago by the Congested Districts Board, for the purchase of his congested estate in Ballinlassa, county Mayo; why the sale has not been completed; whether the tenants are now being sued by the landlord for rent; and will the Board take steps to have the sale completed as soon as possible?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board made an offer for the purchase of this property in June, 1913. The price792W was accepted by the owner on 7th January, 1914, but the Board have since been unable to compel him to proceed with the sale. Proceedings are being taken by the owner against a number of tenants for arrears of rent, but in the circumstances the Board have no power to prevent the vendor from recovering the rent due.
§ Mr. SCANLANasked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board are now in a position to purchase for the relief of congestion the Doonflin ranch, part of the Fenton estate, situate in the parish of Skreen, county Sligo; and whether the attention of the Board has been called to the urgent need for prompt steps being taken for the relief of congestion in this area?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have been in communication with the owner of the lands referred to, but they have not so far been offered for sale through them. Several communications have been received by the Board calling attention to the necessity for the relief of congestion in the district.
§ Mr. SCANLANasked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have purchased, or are about to purchase, the Bunfedia lands, at present in the occupation of Mrs. M'Mun and Thomas Coleman, situate in the townland of Bunfedia, in the parish of Dromard, county Sligo?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe Congested Districts Board have agreed to purchase the A. H. L. Popham estate, comprising the lands of Bunfedia referred to.