asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position regarding the acquisition of the McGowan estate at Cloona and Carrowhubbock North, Enniscrone, County Sligo.

Proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to have reached the stage where an appeal against the price fixed by the Land Commission is pending for determination by the Appeal Tribunal.

367.

asked the Minister for Agriculture why the Land Commission did not acquire the Wright estate, at Killucan, County Westmeath.

I understand that the Land Commission carried out an inspection of the property referred to following which they decided not to proceed further as the lands were found to be unsuitable for their purposes.

The Deputy will of course be aware that the determination of lands to be acquired is a matter that is reserved exclusively to the Lay Commissioners.

368.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the names of the estates in Laois/Offaly held by the Land Commission; the total acreage in each holding; and the names of the estates that will be divided within the next six months.

The particulars requested are set out in the following tables. It is expected that the cases indicated with an asterisk will be wholly or partly allotted within the next six months.

Following is the table:

County Laois

Particulars of lettable lands (apart from insignificant residues of partly allotted properties) in the possession of the Land Commission for division.

County Offaly

Particulars of lettable lands (apart from insignificant residues of partly allotted properties) in the possession of the Land Commission for division.

369.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the up-to-date position regarding the acquisition of the Fallon estate at Cartronhugh, Ballintogher, County Sligo.

Proceedings are in progress for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to and have reached the stage where objections lodged on behalf of the former owner and the person to whom the lands were sold are pending for determination.

370.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the up-to-date position regarding the allocation of the Kate Breheny estate at Cloghogue, Castlebaldwin, County Sligo; why part of it was allocated some time ago; and why the remainder has not yet been allocated.

Thirty acres of the part of the Breheny estate situated at Cloghogue Lower have already been allotted. The disposal of the balance of the Cloghogue Lower lands-some 18 acres-has had to be deferred pending settlement of a difficulty regarding access. Every effort is being made to have the matter resolved as quickly as possible.

371.

asked the Minister for Agriculture the present position regarding the proposed acquisition of an estate (details supplied) in County Sligo.

Proceedings for the compulsory acquisition of the property referred to were instituted by the Land Commission in 1975. Following representations by the owner further action was deferred for two years. The case is at present being reviewed.