Who Owns Ireland: The Hidden Truth of Land Ownership in Ireland

The famine between 1845 and 1850 killed a million people and drove another million into exile, defining the national struggle for independence. This book explores the extraordinary redistribution of land from mainly aristocratic landed estates to small farmers, which took over 150 years and was achieved with civility and far less violence than the actual independence struggle.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 448 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: The History Press Ltd
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The long and complex history of this small island on the "dark edge of Europe" is characterized by a barbed wire entanglement that both tortures and frees in its intricate narrative. Far more than any other single issue, it defined the national struggle for independence and played a pivotal role in shaping Irish history. Between 1845 and 1850, a devastating famine struck the island, claiming the lives of one million people and forcing another million to flee their homes. This catastrophic event cut Irish history in half, serving as a stark reminder that without secure tenure for a normal life span, individuals were at the mercy of landowners.

This book, however, goes beyond the famine itself. It delves into the critical event that followed: the extraordinary redistribution of land from predominantly aristocratic landed estates to small farmers. This process, which took over 150 years and concluded with the closure of the Land Commission in 1999, was marked by remarkable civility and far less violence than the actual independence struggle.

Who Owns Ireland? is a groundbreaking exploration of Ireland's most valuable asset: its land. Author Kevin Cahill conducts thorough investigations to reveal the breakdown of land ownership across all thirty-two counties. His findings expose the startling truth about the individuals and institutions that own the ground beneath our feet.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of land ownership in Ireland. Cahill traces the evolution of land ownership from the medieval era to the present day, highlighting the complex web of laws, regulations, and social structures that have shaped the distribution of land. He explores the role of the Catholic Church, the British government, and the landed elite in perpetuating land inequality and restricting access to land for ordinary people.

Cahill's investigations reveal a complex landscape of land ownership. He highlights the widespread absenteeism of landowners, who often leave their properties vacant or underutilized. He also exposes the extent to which land has been acquired through illegal means, such as land grabs and corruption. The book sheds light on the role of multinational corporations in land ownership, particularly in the agricultural sector, where they have acquired vast tracts of land for agricultural development.

Furthermore, Who Owns Ireland? delves into the impact of land ownership on Irish society. Cahill argues that land ownership has been a source of division and conflict throughout history, contributing to social and economic inequality. He highlights the struggles of small farmers to secure their land rights and the devastating consequences of land loss for rural communities. The book also explores the role of land ownership in shaping Ireland's political landscape, with landowners often wielding significant influence over political decisions.

The book concludes with a call for reform. Cahill argues that the current system of land ownership is outdated and unfair and that it needs to be reformed to ensure that land is distributed more equitably and sustainably. He suggests that the government should introduce measures such as land reform, land taxation, and the creation of community land trusts to promote greater access to land for ordinary people.

In conclusion, Who Owns Ireland? is a thought-provoking and essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history and current dynamics of land ownership in Ireland. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Kevin Cahill provides a valuable insight into the people and institutions that control the land beneath our feet and the impact that this control has on Irish society. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to promote greater equality, sustainability, and social justice in Ireland.

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Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780750984454\n \n