asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the area of Pollardstown Fen, near Newbridge, County Kildare, that has been acquired by the State; if and when it is intended to purchase the balance; the persons from whom tracts were purchased; the areas bought; the date and amount of payment in each case; and the plans his Department have for the development of Pollardstown Fen.
Written Answers. - Land Acquisition.
249.
The area of Pollardstown Fen acquired by my Department to date is 78.60 hectares. Of this, 51.49 hectares were purchased from Mr. T. Munnelly in March 1982 and the remainder was donated by Bord na Móna in June 1981.
The amount of the purchase money in individual transactions is a confidential matter between the Department and the vendor.
Negotiations for the purchase of other lands which form part of the fen will be undertaken as quickly as possible subject to availability of funds. The ultimate objective is the establishment of the fen as a nature reserve under the Wildlife Act and its management in a manner which will ensure the conservation of its scientific values.
250.
asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if his Department intend to acquire 1,000 acres of hill land in the Graiguenamanagh area of County Kilkenny for afforestation; and, if so, how his Department propose to accommodate certain persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny who use land for grazing purposes.
The area in question comprises a 750-acre commonage over which the persons mentioned are claiming grazing rights. The Forest and Wildlife Service is negotiating for the purchase of the property and, in expectation that the lands will come into the possession of my Department, efforts are being directed towards an arrangement under which grazing for these people would be provided in respect of an area of 500 acres, leaving the balance of the lands available for afforestation purposes.