asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that there is considerable delay in regard to the purchase of 99 acres of land at Killacloghane, Milltown, County Kerry (estate of Lord Monteagle) for afforestation purposes, and whether, in view of this, he will take steps to acquire this land at the earliest possible date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Purchase Delay (Kerry).
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of the 3rd November, 1948. This area by itself is too small and too isolated to acquire for planting. In the hope that other lands were available in the district, the Milltown Parish Council was asked to supply the names and addresses of persons willing to sell land for afforestation purposes but no reply was received.
Is the Minister aware if this land were acquired it would be possible to get other land in the same area?
Perhaps the Deputy might check it up with the Milltown Parish Council. We are anxious to establish a plantation there but, if there is only one small section of land offered and there is not much likelihood of others being available, it would not be an economic proposition to plant that one small piece.
Is the Minister aware that the parish council made every effort to negotiate with Lord Monteagle with a view to the purchase of this particular land but were unsuccessful, and that is why we asked that that section should be acquired with a view to development? We have offers of land from three other people, but the sections of land offered are not sufficient. If this section was acquired, it would enable us to develop from that centre.
If the Deputy assures me that there is a likelihood of offers coming in as a result of making a start in this particular isloated place I will do it.