asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a substantial area of land is being offered to his Department for afforestation purposes by farmers resident at Gortatlea and Knopogue, Mastergehy, County Kerry; and, if so, whether he will have the matter dealt with at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Land for Afforestation.
The farmers in question have been asked to submit formal offers of the areas they wish to dispose of.
Is the Minister aware that this proposal is a very important one for that part of South Kerry because nothing has been initiated so far for that part of the county? If this centre could be established it would mean that that whole territory could be developed for afforestation purposes. I would ask the Minister, on behalf of the people concerned, to consider this matter as a preliminaryto large-scale development in the area concerned.
I will bear the Deputy's representations in mind and shall do my utmost to push forward with the planting programme and acquisition of land in the County Kerry generally. We cannot, in regard to the particular offers, make more progress until we have definite offers from the farmers in question.