asked the Minister for Lands whether certain forest lands in County Wicklow are overdue for thinning and, if so, why the appropriate thinning operations are not undertaken in order to prevent deterioration consequent on inadequate thinning.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thinning of Wicklow Forest Lands.
The position regarding thinning in County Wicklow generally is quite satisfactory from a silvi-cultural standpoint. Thinning has been delayed at a few centres pending completion of new extraction roads. The roads required are being constructed as a matter of priority. It is not expected that the delay in thinning in the areas affected will have any adverse effect on the plantations.
May I take it from the Minister's reply that it is his intention to proceed with thinking operations in these Wicklow forests as expeditiously as circumstances will allow and that no forest will be allowed to deteriorate for the want of thinning?
There are four areas where there were insufficient extraction roads and the roads in these areas are being built as a matter of absolute priority, when thinning will follow automatically.