asked the Minister for Lands (a) when the Keating holding, Castle Ellen, Athenry, County Galway, was brought to the notice of the Land Commission for possible acquisition; (b) if it was inspected; and (c) if it was purchased by a large hotelier in spite of serious protestations by the local congests.

This 37 acre property was first brought to the notice of the Land Commission on 21st December, 1967. An inspection notice under the Land Act, 1965, was served on Mr. Thomas Keating on 30th December, 1967. A few days later it was learned that the property had, in fact, already been sold earlier in November, 1967; on 15th February, 1968 an inspection notice was served on the new owners. The lands were inspected in March, 1968 following which the Land Commission decided not to move for acquisition at this stage. It is understood that the purchasers have a hotel in Galway city. Congestion in this locality is not acute —and the Land Commission have recently instituted proceedings for compulsory acquisition of another holding, of 67 acres, in Castle Ellen.

93.

asked the Minister for Lands if any recent progress has been made by the Land Commission in relation to the acquisition of the Burke estate, Ballydoogan, Loughrea, County Galway; and, if so, what is the present position regarding this acquisition.

Proceedings have been instituted by the Land Commission for compulsory acquisition of some 630 acres on this estate—and an objection lodged on behalf of the owners is at present awaiting disposal.