asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that economic conditions in a large part of the Inishowen peninsula in County Donegal are similar to the conditions which prevail in the Gaeltacht areas but the peninsula does not get the benefit of schemes sponsored for the Gaeltacht; and, if so, if he will take steps with a view to carrying out State-sponsored schemes of forestry in the peninsula.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry in County Donegal.
I assume that what the Deputy really wants is an assurance that my Department will take whatever steps are practicable to have forestry work extended to the Inishowen peninsula. I can give him that assurance but it is too soon yet to say whether it will prove possible to set up a forestry centre in the peninsula.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what progress is being made on afforestation in the Letterkenny-Glenswilly district and what further plans for this district are on hands.
Meenirroy and Stranorlarforest centres are located in the area the Deputy mentions.
The main property of Meenirroy Forest is situated at the head of the River Swilly and comprises 540 acres of which 175 are under plantations. An area of 177 acres will be planted there this year. Corravaddy property of Stranorlar Forest, lying a few miles to the south of Letterkenny, was acquired recently. Acquisition prospects in the area are favourable and agreement has already been reached for an area of 120 acres near Corravaddy and 835 acres beside Meenirroy. A further area of 217 acres near Corravaddy has been inspected and an area of 140 acres in the same district is listed for inspection.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what steps have been taken to acquire lands in Glenvar district for afforestation.
No offers have been received in this area and it is not considered likely that sufficient land to justify the establishment of a new centre would be forthcoming.
I understood that offers were made about 18 months ago and I am wondering if the Minister will ascertain if that is so. My information is that such offers were made and that certain preliminary investigations were afoot. There may be some mix-up in regard to the area.
No. Representations were made from the Glenvar Development Committee. An inspection was carried out. One block of approximately 100 acres was inspected. Investigations showed that this block belonged to some 20 holders and negotiations, therefore, would be very difficult. It was left to the local committee to test the reaction of the owners but, so far, no signed offers have been received. If it proves possible to establish a new centre at Rathmullen, which is only about five miles from Glenvar, it might be possible to take smaller blocks in this district as outside property of the new forest.
In such circumstances,what is the minimum that might be considered by the Department?
I would want to get notice of that question. It would all depend. If the area is within three or four miles of an existing centre we are quite prepared to open negotiations. If there are prospects, even though a centre does not exist at the present time, and if Deputies communicate with me, they will find that the Forestry Branch will be quite prepared to undertake negotiations for a much lesser area than the 300 acres specified. I have already explained to the House that while we would like to have 300 acres as a basis, it is really entirely a question of future prospects but we do not want to start off in new areas unless there are prospects that as much land will be forthcoming as will ensure reasonable hopes of continuous employment over a period of years.