asked the Minister for Lands whether the Land Commission have yet acquired the additional lands for afforestation purposes in North Kildare, to which he referred in a reply of the 27th November last; and, if so, when work on the preparation of the lands for planting will be commenced.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Kildare Afforestation Lands.
Since the Deputy's question of 27th November, 1957, my Department has acquired three areas totalling 357 acres in North Kildare for afforestation purposes. It is intended to plant 168 acres of this land this season (32 acres in the townland of Carrisker and 136 acres in the townland of Ballynakill Upper) and preliminary operations are already in progress there. The total planting programme this year at the forests affected is 640 acres, compared with 569 acres last year.
Agreement to purchase additional areas in North Kildare totalling 184 acres has been reached and title is being investigated. Negotiations are in progress for the purchase of further areas totalling 286 acres.
In view of the serious unemployment in the area, could the Minister indicate when the work is likely to commence?
I am afraid the Deputy will have to ask another question. I have not got an exact picture of when the work is likely to commence.
I did ask in my question when work on the preparation of the lands for planting will be commenced.
Shortly. I could not say exactly within how many weeks. It means fairly quickly — in a very short time.