asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the urgent necessity for carrying through afforestation schemes in Iveragh, Dunkerron North, Dunkerron South, Glanarought, and Magunihy, South Kerry: and, if so, what steps are being taken to that end; and, further, if his Department will plant maritime pine in these areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation in Kerry.
I am aware of the urgent necessity for carrying out afforestation schemes in any part of the country where suitable land can be procured.
In the South Kerry area, there are already three forestry centres: Killarney, 2,155 acres; Kenmare, 523 acres; Kilgarvan, 504 acres, and, as the Deputy was recently informed, a new centre is to be opened at Lickeen as soon as title can be proved and other legal formalities cleared up.
A lot of inspection and valuation work has been done lately in this district, and as a result agreement has been reached for the purchase of an additional area of 304 acres for attachment to Kenmare forest. Possession is about to be taken of an area of 273 acres and a bargain has been made for the purchase of another area of 484 acres as additions to Kilgarvan forest.
Other offers of approximately 11,000 acres in South Kerry have been received and are under consideration. Many have been inspected and some are awaiting inspection, but I am unable, at this stage, to say how many may ultimately be acquired. In many cases the prices expected are in excess of the value of the land.
Maritime pine will be planted in such areas as the technical experts of the forestry division consider most suitable for that species.