asked the Minister for Lands if he will indicate whether any action has been taken regarding the reafforestation of the belt of mountains extending from Ballingeary to Castletownbere; if not, whether he will ensure that this work is commenced as soon as possible in view of the congested and impoverished nature of the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-afforestation in County Cork.
The Department already holds an area of 327 acres at Coomroe, of which 89 acres are considered unplantable. The remainder has been planted. Negotiations for the purchase of about 400 acres immediately adjoining failed on the question of price. To the east of Coomroe, near Ballingeary, the Department is in negotiation for the purchase of a further 110 acres. If this area is acquired it is proposed to explore the possibilities of acquiring other suitable areas in the valley, lying between Coomroe and Ballingeary. To the west of Coomroe various offers of mountain land, totalling over 3,000 acres, have been inspected and found unsuitable for forestry purposes on account of poor soil conditions and severe exposure.