asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he will state (a) the acreage of land acquired in County Leix for afforestation purposes; (b) acreage planted to date, and whether he hopes to increase the staff employed on the work of preparing and planting the land available during the coming year.
Written Answers. - Afforestation in Leix.
Mr. Hogan
(a) 5,047 acres, including 291 acres of existing woods and 1,828 acres regarded as unsuitable for planting. (b) 1,523 acres (to 31st January, the date of last completed return). Unless further land is acquired in the meantime, a reduction in the staff now employed must be made in the course of the next few months, on the conclusion of the current planting and nursery season.