asked the Minister for Lands if he will state whether the further inspection promised has been made of the mountain at Cregg, Ballynahinch, Derryoran and Ballynagough, in the district of Whitegate, County Clare, with a view to acquiring and planting, and whether in reaching a decision on this matter the Department will be influenced by the fact that a price of £1,500 was offered for the timber grown at Cregg in the heart of this district, and whether the extensive unemployment in the district will also be borne in mind when a decision is being reached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed Acquisition of Clare Mountain.
Mr. Hogan
The lands to which the Deputy refers have been inspected generally, and it has been ascertained that while a considerable area is unplantable there may be sufficient plantable land included to justify their being acquired for afforestation. It is proposed to have a detailed inspection and valuation made of them at an early date, and the Department will then be in a position to make a definite decision in the matter.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Minister aware that practically the same answer was given six months ago—that the matter would be gone into at an early date?
Mr. Boland
I do not think it was exactly the same land. Surely the Deputy does not want an answer before an inspection is made, or does he think that we can go everywhere at the same time? A little bit of reason is all he wants.
Mr. Hogan
And a little bit of work. I should like to see the Department doing a little bit of work for the people concerned.
Mr. Boland
The Deputy wants every place inspected at the same time, and that is clearly impossible.