asked the Minister for Lands and Agriculture if he is aware of the suitability for reafforestation of the lands at Clare Glens, situated partly in County Tipperary and partly in County Limerick, and now the property of the County Councils of Limerick and North Tipperary; if he is aware that this place has in the past been a centre of attraction for visitors from Limerick City and the neighbouring towns, and if his Department is prepared to undertake the replanting of the land as a means of restoring its attraction and of providing employment in the district.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - REPLANTING OF CLARE GLENS.
I am aware that an area of approximately 40 acres, known as Clare Glens, is held by the County Councils referred to, having been acquired by these bodies for the purpose of joint preservation. The area is too small for inclusion in a State scheme of afforestation. Last year the Department of Agriculture offered to supply these Councils with sufficient trees for the planting, subject to certain conditions as to repair of fences, extermination of ground game, etc.; but the Councils did not avail of this offer. For the reason I have indicated the reply to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative; but any proposals in the matter which these County Councils may desire to put forward will be fully considered.