asked the Minister for Lands the area of land which it is proposed to plant under forestry in the coming year.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Planting.
103.
It is expected that about 23,000 acres will be planted by the Forestry Division of my Department during the present planting season.
Does the Minister not appreciate that the target set is normally 25,000 acres? Why has it been reduced? Is it an acquisition problem?
As I mentioned in reply on my Estimate recently, the provision was made in the Estimate for 25,000 acres. We came up against the problem of getting sufficient land in the present planting season. We have made changes in regard to the price payable for land and we hope to secure an improvement in intake. The season I am referring to is that which has begun and will end in March.
104.
asked the Minister for Lands if sufficient land is being purchased in advance in County Kerry to keep up the present rate of forestry planting and if possible to increase the rate.
In County Kerry, as elsewhere in the country, every effort is being made to purchase sufficient land to support the national annual planting programme of 25,000 acres. A total of over 16,000 acres is at present under consideration for acquisition in that county.
105.
asked the Minister for Lands if the Forestry Branch of his Department have purchased and paid for the lands offered to them some years ago in Coonana, Caherciveen, County Kerry; and if so, when they will be available for planting.
The question appears to relate to commonage areas in the townland of Castlequin. Because of a high exposure factor it has been decided not to proceed further with negotiations for the purchase of these areas for the time being.