asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the total number of acres of land planted with trees since 1932, and the amount of land suitable for planting; and if he is considering future schemes of afforestation on a large scale.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation Schemes.
Presumably the Deputy's question refers to lands actually in the possession of the Forestry Division. Approximately 64,000 acres of such lands have been planted since 1932. The area of lands on hands nominally available for planting is about 28,000 acres, but this includes land utilised for nurseries and accommodation land attached to cottages, etc., and an appreciable portion is not at present available for planting owing to claims to grazing and other rights, not yet disposed of.
The question of expanding planting operations after the war to the maximum area consistent with the economic needs of the country is receiving constant attention, and steps have been taken to build up stocks in the nurseries. The prospects of expansion, however, depend upon the possibility of securing sufficient areas of suitable land, and in view of the enhanced value of grazings in present circumstances, landowners show no great desire to part with their mountain land at prices which would permit of economic afforestation.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the number of men employed in the State forests in (a) Laoighis, and (b) Offaly, giving the number permanent and casual.
As some State forests cover land in more than one county, it is not practicable to state the precise number of forestry labourers in each of the Counties of Laoighis and Offaly, but the approximate numbers employed are, respectively: In Laoighis, 78; in Offaly, 33. All forestry labourers are employed on a casual basis, and the number varies according to season and circumstances.