asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the plans under consideration by the Forestry Division of his Department to expand planting operations in West Roscommon and adjoining areas in Galway; and if in view of the economic circumstances of the people there he will secure that the maximum possible area is planted so as to provide employment amongst these people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation in West Roscommon and Galway.
47.
Ballinlough Forest serves the area referred to by the Deputy. 197 acres will be planted there in the coming season as compared with 130 acres in 1960/61 and 119 acres in the previous year. The work programme this year provides for the employment of up to 20 men as compared with 16 last year.
Is the Minister aware that only three or four plots are being handled at the same time and consequently the pool is liable to dry up? Would he consider expanding to 12 or 14 plots at a time so that sufficient land will be available to step up planting each year?
As the Deputy is aware, the amount of planting depends largely, if not entirely, on the intake.
That is what I said.
If one gets more land in one year naturally more employment can be provided.
Is the Minister aware that at the moment, and this is based on information made available locally, only three of four plots are being examined and consequently the amount of land available for planting is not large? Would the Minister consider having 10, 12, or 14 plots examined together so that a greater portion of land will be available with resultant greater employment? As the Minister is well aware the area needs employment very badly.
While I agree more employment is badly needed in that area I have nothing before me to suggest that the Deputy is accurate in his allegation that only a few plots are inspected but I shall have his allegation inquired into and checked.