asked the Minister for Lands if it is proposed to have the Pike Bog at Rushall, Castletown, County Laois, which is over 100 acres in size, planted by the Land Commission to provide much needed local employment and to utilise this large area of suitable afforestation land; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Afforestation.
52.
(Cavan): The Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department are examining the prospects of acquiring for afforestation purposes the lands referred to by the Deputy. Preliminary inspection shows that the area is subject to claims to turbary and grazing by a number of local landowners. Further investigations are necessary to establish the status of the claims and to explore the possibility of an arrangement with the owners and claimants which would permit some, at least, of the land to be acquired and developed for planting.