asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that, about 12 months ago, an individual offered 500 acres of land in the townlands of Bunmore West and Owenglass, County Mayo, to the Forestry Division of his Department, and that the individual in question has not since received a reply, and that 1,000 acres in the adjoining townlands of Bunmore East and Shean have been on offer for the last three months; and, if so, whether he will take immediate steps to have the lands comprised in both offers inspected with a view to acquisition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land Offered for Forestry.
The two areas referred to by the Deputy are commonages held in undivided shares by a number of people. Progress towards acquisition in these commonage cases has hitherto been virtually impossible but the Forestry Act, 1956, now provides a solution to the main difficulties involved. I have arranged to have the areas inspected and valued at a very early date.
The offer in Bunmore West was made to me in June last and I then replied personally to them that the matter would be pursued as quickly as possible. I have arranged that this offer be taken up under the 1956 Forestry Act.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he has received an offer of land for afforestation purposes from Mr. William Ryan, Knockalisheen, Ballymacarberry, County Waterford, and, if so, what progress has been made towards the acquisition of the land offered.
The offer of 34 acres referred to by the Deputy includes an area of commonage held in undivided half shares. The case is being reviewed in the light of the new powers available under the Forestry Act, 1956.