asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state when he proposes to carry out his promises to plant Forth Mountain, Co. Wexford.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forth Mountain (Co. Wexford).
The Department are at present taking steps to acquire, under the powers conferred by the Forestry Acts, the various rights, easements and profits a prendre which exist over the lands of Forth Mountain, in accordance with the rules for the purpose made by the Land Commission. A suitable portion of the area has been selected, and as soon as the acquisition of the above-mentioned rights has been completed planting operations will be commenced.
When does the Minister expect this to be completed?
Mr. Hogan
I am not absolutely certain. The regulations under the Act which gave the Forestry Branch compulsory powers to take land have been issued. The first steps have been taken and the law has been put in force. These proceedings should go through expeditiously unless there are local objections and appeals lodged, which would delay them. I do not think there will be any, but it has been found impossible to come to an agreement with anybody. I do not think that any interest is sufficiently organised to object to the acquisition.
Does the Minister think they will be completed to enable him to have the planting done this season?
Mr. Hogan
In view of the fact that nobody can say in the Department what the vested interests are going to do, I cannot answer the question, but they will go through expeditiously if they do not interpose.
If there are no local objections, I take it there will be planting this season?
Mr. Hogan
It is not certain.