asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (1) the number and location of the forestry centres (a) now established and (b) proposed to be established in South Kerry; (2) the number of acres (i) offered for forestry in each centre and proposed centre, (ii) already planted, (iii) acquired and awaiting planting and (iv) awaiting survey and acquisition and (3) the number of men employed in forestry work in South Kerry and the maximum number which may be employed under each ganger or head labourer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Reafforestation.
There are four State forests in South Kerry—Killarney, Kenmare, Kilgarvan and Killorglin. The particulars asked for regarding these forests are in the form of a statistical table which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
With regard to land offered for forestry purposes in South Kerry the total area offered is approximately 10,357 acres. Agreement to purchase has been reached in ten cases totalling 689 acres and investigations of title are proceeding; negotiations are in progress in ten cases totalling 1,216acres; 26 cases totalling 5,758 acres have been inspected and 14 cases totalling 2,694 acres are on offer and awaiting inspection. Pending the outcome of negotiations it is not possible to say what new forest centres will be established in South Kerry.
The number of men at present employed in South Kerry forests is 101. There is no fixed maximum to the number of men who may be employed under a head labourer.
TABLE.
|
Forest |
Planted by Forestry Division |
Plantable Reserve |
|
acres |
acres |
|
|
Kenmare |
387½ |
204½ |
|
Kilgarvan |
650 |
849¼ |
|
Killarney |
1,210¾ |
263 |
|
Killorglin |
— |
293¼* |
|
TOTALS |
2,248¼ |
1,610 |
*An area of 170¾ acres acquired at this forest is subject to rights. It is not immediately available for forestry purposes and has therefore been excluded from the data.