asked the Minister for Lands the number of acres of land in North Tipperary which have been offered to his Department for afforestation purposes and on which a final decision has not yet been reached; what is the location of the lands; whether inspection has been carried out in each case; and when final decisions may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - North Tipperary Forestry Lands.
78.
There are at present 137 areas totalling 5,944 acres on offer to my Department for afforestation purposes in North Tipperary. Agreement to purchase has been reached in the case of 22 of these areas totalling 1,257 acres and title is in course of clearance. Negotiations to purchase are in progress with the owners of another 28 areas totalling 1,293 acres. In regard to the remaining cases, 58 areas totalling 1,941 acres have been inspected but further investigations are necessary before a final decision on acquisition can be reached. Arrangements have been or are being made for the inspection of the other areas on offer at the earliest possible date. In view of the large number of cases involved it would not be practicable to furnish details of location as requested.