asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position regarding the acquisition of the Cosgrave estate at Cuilnagleeragh, Kilmactranny, County Sligo.

Proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to have been held up due to a boundary difficulty which resulted from an exchange of part of the lands carried out prior to the institution of proceedings. As it now appears that the present owners of the lands involved will not take the necessary steps to regularise the matter the Land Commission are considering what alternative course is open to them to enable the proceedings to continue.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this estate has been the subject of Land Commission inquiries over many years? This estate straddles the border of two counties, Sligo and Roscommon. The owner is a very substantial farmer and there are many smallholders who have been waiting for years for the division of this estate. Would the Parliamentary Secretary ask the Land Commission to speed up the division of this estate?

I certainly will. Proceedings were instituted in this case on 3rd September, 1974, and, as I indicated in the latter part of my reply, the Land Commission are considering what alternative course is open to them to enable the proceedings to continue. That arises out of the difficulties over the boundary. The Deputy can be assured these lands will be acquired and made available to local congests.

15.