asked the Minister for Lands if he has received representations from the Glengariff Parish Council, County Cork, regarding the acquisition of portion of the Leigh White estate for the purpose of afforestation; if so, will he state what the present position is, or what progress has been made towards this end.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leigh White Estate.
Representations have been made by the Glengariff Parish Council regarding the purchase of the Shelswell White estate. Negotiations for the purchase of portion of this estate were in progress for a number of years, but it was found impossible to reach agreement with the owner as to the conditions on which the area would be sold, and the negotiations, therefore, lapsed.
Does the Minister hope to resume negotiations?
The intention was to acquire the lands for afforestation purposes. I am advised that, under the conditions which the owner sought to make, that would be impracticable. If the Forestry Branch take over land, they want to be quite sure that they will be free to use it and fence it in whatever way suits them best.