asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the position with regard to afforestation in the different centres in North Tipperary during the present year; and if he will consider having more work made available in the Silvermines area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation in North Tipperary.
The total productive area of the forests in North Tipperary on 31st March, 1958, was 6,343 acres, of which a total of 4,759 acres was planted, leaving a plantable reserve of 1,584 acres. It is intended to plant a total of 84 acres in North Tipperary in the current year, distributed over the forests as follows: Newport—369 acres; Roscrea—92 acres; Silvermines —314 acres and Templederry—109 acres. The total area planted in the region last year was 841 acres.
With regard to Silvermines Forest, the area scheduled for planting this year (314 acres) is substantially greater than the area planted last year (198 acres) and I am satisfied that a more extensive programme would be undesirable having regard to the plantable reserve position at the forest.