Thomas Mullins` prosperity in Corca Dhuibhne and his persuasion with a peerage for parliamentary union Thomas Mullins of Burnham had endeavoured to improve his estates by restricting the sub-division of farms and its attendant congestion of small holdings. He introduced lease restrictions and stopped the construction of new farmhouses on his estates in Corca Dhuibhne. Within 15 years, a number of existing farmhouses had been greatly extended to accommodate up to four generations of a family, who shared rather than subdivided their farms. It appears to have increased his wealth and prestige to the extent that the administration in Dublin Castle tried to gain his support in parliament for its proposal to unite the Irish and English parliaments in reaction to the 1798 Rebellion. He opposed the union, until he was persuaded with a peerage.
