asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the fact that, according to the plantation survey recently published, there are some 38,000 acres of land suitable for afforestation in County Limerick, the greater portion being in the extreme west of the county, he will state what steps, if any, have been taken by his Department to acquire portion of this land for afforestation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lands for Afforestation.
The Forestry Division is already in possession of 4,600 acres of land in County Limerick. Negotiations are in progress for the acquisition of 651 acres. Offers of a further 2,150 acres are under consideration.
asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the statement contained in correspondence by his Department with the parish council of Ballyduff that the owners of Mocallop and Ballysaggartmore estates in County Waterford are liable to replant their lands in accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Act, he will ensure that the law is enforced in these cases and that these denuded lands are replanted.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a large area of woodland on the Mocollop and Ballysaggart estates, Waterford, denuded of its trees during the past 12 years, has not yet been replanted; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes to take to have this land replanted in accordance with the provisions of the Forestry Acts.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will take together Questions Nos. 11 and 12.
The Forestry Division is negotiating for the purchase of the woodland portions of these estates for afforestation purposes. If the purchase does not go through the obligation to replant will remain on the lands and will be enforced in accordance with the conditions of the Forestry Act.