asked the Minister for Lands if he will state what steps are being taken to expedite afforestation schemes in the Ravensdale, Carlingford and Omeath areas; and when it is expected that these schemes will commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Louth Afforestation Schemes.
My Department has reached agreement for the purchase of an area of 36 acres at Cornamucklagh, north of Omeath, and the legal formalities are receiving attention. Negotiations for the purchase of another area of over 80 acres in Ballyonan, between Omeath and Carlingford, are in progress. Three commonages in the Liberties Commons area, near Carlingford, have been inspected and found suitable for afforestation purposes and preliminary investigations regarding title are now in progress.
My Department is also interested in six commonage areas totalling 580 acres between Cornamucklagh and Corrakit in the Omeath area and other areas totalling 450 acres at Ballymackellett, Ravensdale. All these areas have been inspected and found suitable for forestry but progress with acquisition has not been possible because of the extremely involved title position. These cases will be reviewed under the Forestry Act, 1956, as soon as possible.
Offers of land in the townlands of Ballaverty, Castletowncooley and Earlsquarter in the vicinity of Mullaghattin, were also received recently and these will be inspected at an early date.
The Minister is aware that his predecessor brought in a Bill to ease the title difficulty in cases such as this. Can the Minister now say when the necessary rules and regulations will be made for the implementation of that particular Bill? I understand they are in process of being framed.
That seems to be a separate question.
With respect, I submit that it relates to the main question.
As soon as possible.