asked the Minister for Lands the programme of work of the forestry section of his Department for the constituency of North Galway in the coming year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Galway Forestry Programme.
31.
A total planting programme of 376 acres will be undertaken in North Galway in 1960/61, compared with 125 acres last year. All of this year's planting programme will be at Ballygar and Mountbellew Forests and in the Cloonfad area of Ballinlough Forest. There is no reserve of land available for planting at Clonbrock or Tuam Forests or at the Monivea section of Athenry Forest, which lies in North Galway. In addition to planting, of course, there is a substantial volume of general management and maintenance work to be undertaken at the State Forest areas in North Galway this year.
I am very pleased to hear about the planting programme in Mountbellew and Ballygar. Is the Minister aware that lands have been offered at Clonbrock and Monivea and other forests for some time? I have actually taken part in the offer. Would the Minister ask the Forestry Division to expedite proceedings to acquire these lands?
I shall convey the Deputy's suggestion that these lands are available to my officials concerned in the matter.