asked the Minister for Lands whether his Department has received offers of waste land for planting from farmers in the districts alongside the Dungarvan to Youghal main road; whether they have been accepted, and, if not, whether they are likely to be accepted and the areas planted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Re-afforestation.
I presume the Deputy is aware that in recent years the forestry division acquired two blocks totalling 330 acres approximately at Monameen and Reangullee along this road. Two further blocks of seven acres and 20 acres are likely to be acquired in the near future and a survey of the Reangullee district will be made shortly to ascertain if any other areas are available. It would be very helpful if the Deputy could supply me with the names and addresses of owners who are willing to sell.
Is the Minister not aware that I have already supplied him with the names of ten people who are willing to sell?
In this locality?
Yes.
We are anxious to develop this particular area.
I have already sent in a list of ten people who are willing to sell.
Very good.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the acreage of land, if any, acquired by the Forestry Division for planting in the Beeing and Burnfort districts, County Cork, and when it is proposed to begin planting in those areas.
The Forestry Division has successfully concluded negotiations for the purchase of 377 acres near Beeing and 295 acres at Ballyhilloge and Ballyknockane near Burnfort. Title investigations are still proceeding for all of the Beeing areas and possession of the lands will be taken when title has been cleared and the sales closed. Possession has been taken or is about to be taken of 171 of the 295 acres at Ballyhilloge and a new forest centre is being started there. The title investigations for the remaining area of 124 acres are still proceeding.
Negotiations for the purchase of a further block of 190 acres offered by seven tenants in the Beeing area will be opened shortly.
Pre-planting operations will, I hope, commence shortly so that planting can be undertaken next winter.