asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what acreage of land at Kinnity was purchased by his Department from Lord Decies and of the land so purchased what acreage was handed over to the Forestry Division for afforestation and what acreage will be available for division amongst local uneconomic holders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Offaly Lands.
Mr. O'Higgins
Of the area of 924 acres originally taken over by the Forestry Division, about 290 acres are being transferred to the Land Commission.
Mr. O'Higgins
asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that much of the good arable land on the Decies estate at Kinnity, Offaly, has been prepared for afforestation by the Forestry Division and that planting has already taken place on land which was in tillage a short while ago; and, if so, what steps he will take to ensure that this use of arable land will be discontinued.
As I pointed out to the Deputy in reply to a similar question just 12 months ago, the Land Commission will be taking over all the good agricultural land they require on this estate. A certain area of arable land for nursery purposes and for accommodation land for the castle is beingretained by the Forestry Division. I am not aware of any preparation for planting on good arable land on this property. The Deputy will appreciate, of course, that small agricultural pockets interspersed with typical forest land cannot be excluded from the planting scheme.