asked the Minister for Lands the number of acres in the hands of his Department for afforestation purposes in County Longford at 30th June, 1971 and 30th June, 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Longford Afforestation.
50.
The required information is set out in a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report. Records are maintained on an annual basis up to 31st March each year and the information has been given on that basis.
Following is the statement:
The number of acres held in County Longford by the Forest and Wildlife Service of the Department of Lands on 31st March, 1971 and the 31st March, 1972, was as follows:—
|
31/3/71 |
31/3/72(Provisional Figures) |
|
|
acres |
acres |
|
|
Total area |
4,393 |
4,824 |
|
Productive area |
4,253 |
4,669 |
|
Woods and plantations |
3,872 |
4,105 |
|
Nominal reserve |
381 |
564 |
The nominal reserve of lands includes areas which for various reasons, i.e. lands subject to grazing or turbary rights etc., are not immediately available for planting.
Could the Minister say if there is an increase in the acreage on hand as at 31st March this year over 31st March last year? I cannot see why a tabular statement is necessary for just two figures.
There is more information being given than that but, in reply to the Deputy, there is an increase in the amount, judging by the provisional figures available, this year.
51.
asked the Minister for Lands the number of persons employed in forestry work in County Longford on 30th June, 1971 and 30th June, 1972.
The number of forest workers employed by the Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department in County Longford on 30th June, 1971 and 30th June, 1972 was 41 men on each date. This figure refers to workers directly employed by the State and does not include numbers employed by private merchants in felling and extraction operations, transporting timber, or numbers employed in wood processing industries.
Is it hoped to increase the number in view of the fact that there is an increase in the acreage in hand now?
I cannot say that.
Would the Minister urge on whoever has the authority to try to increase the number of men employed? The Minister may not be aware of it but Longford-Westmeath is a rather depressed area.
I will refer the matter to the Minister.