asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware of the necessity for the establishment of a forestry centre in the Caherciveen, Mastergeehy and Foilmore districts, and, if so, if he will make the necessary arrangements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Forestry Centre.
As I informed the Deputy in reply to his question of 13th July, 1955, my Department has already established a forestry centre, Killorglin forest, in this district and a total of 320 acres has been planted. I also informed the Deputy that 230 acres at Tulligealane, near Mastergeehy, had been acquired. I have nothing further to add except that 24 acres at Knockagarrane, near Miltown, have since been acquired and that offers totalling 270 acres in the area are receiving attention.
Will the Minister consider the advisability of establishing a separate centre in the Caherciveen district? At the moment the area referred to is being supervised by the Killorglin district. Would the Minister not agree that, for the purpose of developing other areas, it would be advisable to have a separate centre?
If sufficient offers come in and sufficient purchases are made, I will be only too happy to establish a forestry centre there. At the present time the emphasis is on the establishment of as many forestry centres as possible. I would be only too glad if sufficient land was available to establish a new centre.