asked the Minister for Lands whether the Forestry Division of his Department have inspected cutaway bog at Donadea, County Kildare, for afforestation purposes; whether a decision to plant timber on such lands has been reached; and, if not, how the matter now stands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation at Donadea (Kildare)
The Forestry Division of my Department has inspected 40 cases totalling 995 acres in the Donadea district in order to determine their suitability for forestry purposes. Most of this land consists of cutaway bog. Agreement to purchase five of the areas totalling 200 acres has been reached and title is in the course of clearance. Negotiations for the purchase of seven other areas totalling 285 acres are in progress and there are 28 cases involving a total of 510 acres which have been inspected but about which no decision in regard to acquisition has yet been reached.
The type of cutaway offered to the Forestry Division in the Donadea area is generally suitable for planting; similar areas have already been successfully planted elsewhere.
Would the Minister indicate when the work preparatory to planting will commence?
I am unable to state how soon it will commence but as the Deputy knows we very much want to establish a good forestry area in that bog in order to preserve continuous employment.