asked the Minister for Lands the area at present under afforestation in South Tipperary and West Waterford; and whether his Department have any proposals at present for the acquisition of further mountain land for afforestation in (a) the Slievenamon area, (b) the Comeragh Range, (c) the Galtee Range, and (d) the Knockmealdown Range.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers. - Tipperary and Waterford Forestry Lands.
53.
At the end of the last planting season the Forestry Division of my Department held a total productive area of 43,178 acres in South Tipperary and West Waterford, of which a total of 40,228 acres had been planted. Further areas totalling 1,790 acres will be planted in the area in the current season.
As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, a large number of offers in the districts mentioned are being considered for acquisition for afforestation purposes.
54.
asked the Minister for Lands the present position with regard to the acquisition of forestry land at (a) Derivalla, Glengoole and (b) Ballingarry, County Tipperary; and at what date it is expected that planting work will begin in these areas.
The Forestry Division of my Department has received an offer of 174 acres for afforestation purposes in the townland of Derryvella which is held in undivided equal shares by five co-owners. The lands have been inspected and it is hoped to reach a decision on acquisition in the near future.
My Department is negotiating for the purchase of two areas totalling 22 acres in the townland of Ballingarry Upper.
At the present stage of proceedings it is not possible to indicate if or when the lands in question will be acquired or when work will commence there.