asked the Minister for Lands whether land in the districts of Ardroe, Inch, Ballinagrown, Caherpierce and Lack, County Kerry, has been offered to his Department for forestry purposes, and, if so, what action is being taken with a view to acquiring such land.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Land for Forestry.
My Department has received offers of commonage areas for forestry purposes in the townlands of Ardroe, Inch East and Caherpierce comprising approximately 250 acres, 72 acres and 2,500 acres, respectively. These areas have been inspected and further investigations are in progress.
An offer of approximately 70 acres has also been received from a landholder in the townland of Ballinagrown and this area will be inspected as soon as possible.
There is no trace of any offer in the townland of Lack.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the present position in connection with the acquisition of lands for afforestation purposes in the following districts: (a) Coolkelure and Haremount, (b) Schull, (c) Leap, (d) Berehaven, and (e) Inchigeela.
On the Coolkelure estate my Department has agreed to purchase an area of 814 acres for forestry purposes and further investigations are proceeding. In the townland of Haremount an area of 62 acres has been purchased and possession was taken recently.
The remaining portion of the question concerns areas which are not clearly defined and for which statistical information is not readily available. I am in a position to assure the Deputy, however, that acquisition proceedings are under way in each of the general regions he mentions and I shall be glad to furnish the Deputy with more detailed information for any particular townlands in these regions in which he may be particularly interested.
Will the Minister ensure that the work at Coolkelure will commence as early as possible? I understand the Minister's Department is dealing with the acquisition of that land for a lengthy period. I know there are certain difficulties arising there but I would be particularly grateful if he would ensure that those difficulties will be removed without delay so that work can be commenced.
In regard to the 814 acres that are being purchased at Coolkelure there are difficulties there which are being overcome and I hope to speed up acquisition there.