asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that there is a large acreage of commonage available for afforestation purposes in the vicinity of Taughnoose, Carrowhely, Castlerea; and, if so, if he will state whether the Forestry Division are prepared to plant this land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation.
The owners of this commonage were asked some time ago to offer their shares to the Department but so far they have not done so.
Is the Minister aware that the very active branch of Muintir na Tíre in that locality have had offers of land from local landowners and are very anxious that the Department of Forestry should avail of them for planting purposes as soon as possible?
The persons stated to have shares in the commonage were written to last September and asked to offer their shares to the Department, but so far there has been no reply.
asked the Minister for Lands if he is now in a position to state when the forestry scheme at Glencar, County Kerry, will be finally sanctioned and whether he is aware of the necessity for establishing forestry centres at Sneem, Mastergeehy and Caragh Lake (Waterville area), County Kerry; and, if so, if he is now in a position to make an announcement in the matter.
The commencement of forestry operations at Glencar is dependent on the date on which possession of the Eager estate is obtained, but it is hoped that this will take place within the next few weeks. The possibility of opening a separate forestry centre in the Sneem area is being actively pursued. There are no offers of land in the Mastergeehy area, and a pending acquisition in the Caragh Lake district will probably form part of the Glencar centre.