asked the Minister for Lands if he has received from his inspectors a report on the suitability of Connemara for large schemes of afforestation; and if he will state for the latest available date, the total area so far acquired for planting together with the total area planted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Connemara Afforestation Schemes.
Mr. Brodrick
Mr. Boland
Very considerable areas have been inspected in the Clifden and Kylemore districts, in the districts around Cashel and Rossmuck, at Seecon, south-west of Oughterard, and in the district around Costelloe, but none of the lands so far offered for sale for afforestation has been found to be suitable for the purpose. It is proposed to continue investigations to see whether lands suitable for State forestry purposes are obtainable. The only forest centre which it has been possible so far to establish is at Ross, on the edge of Connemara. An area of 285 acres has been acquired here, and approximately 270 acres have been planted.
Mr. Brodrick
Arising out of the Minister's reply, it would appear that the position now is that after four years there are only 285 acres planted in Connemara.
Mr. Boland
More than that arises on the reply. The Deputy can say the rest down in Galway when the elections are on.
Mr. Brodrick
When the next election posters are out, we will see that the red line is put across afforestation.
Will the Deputy say how many acres were planted in the preceding ten years?
Mr. Boland
We will tell him all about that when the elections come on.