asked the Minister for Lands what land he has available or proposes to acquire for afforestation in Connemara.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation in Connemara.
The forestry division holds an area of 626 acres at Ross and Oughterard, of which 283 acres are planted and 167 acres still remain to be planted, the remainder being already under wood or unplantable.
I am especially keen on extending operations as far as possible in Connemara. I have instructed the Department to that end, and I would welcome the co-operation of Deputies in securing offers of suitable plantable land.
asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission has taken over, or intends to take over, about 350 acres of land under scrub at Lickeen, Glencar, County Kerry, for forestry purposes; and, if so, when the work of preparing the land and the planting of trees is likely to start, and, further, if he is aware that in the valley of Glencar several landholders are willing to offer to his Department portion of their lands suitable for forestry.
The Deputy is referred to my reply to Deputy Mrs. Crowley on 13th July last. As soon as the Forestry Act, 1946, comes into force, which is expected at an early date, compulsory proceedings will be instituted for the acquisition of some 500 acres at Lickeen. If these proceedings are successful, negotiations for the purchase of additional areas in the vicinity, too small for acquisition by themselves, will be taken up immediately.