asked the Minister for Lands if he will state how much land has been acquired by his Department on the Courtown estate, County Wexford, and whether any of this land is arable; and, if so, if he will give an assurance that it is not the intention of his Department to afforest anyportion of this land that may be suitable for agricultural purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition of Wexford Estate.
No land has been acquired by my Department on the Courtown estate.
Negotiations are proceeding for the purchase of portion of the estate but the area which may eventually be acquired has not yet been finally determined. As a general principle my Department avoids the development for forestry purposes of land which should properly be devoted to agricultural production.
In the case of this particular estate, there is a sufficient amount of arable land to provide a good living for one family. Would the Minister like to give a guarantee that this land will not be afforested as other land in Wexford has been during the past few years?
I have nothing to add to my reply to the Deputy's question.
I take it then that the Minister does not disapprove of the afforestation of arable land?