asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that portion of the Shanahan estate at Kilclooney, now in the hands of the Forestry Department, is suitable for tillage; that representations were made to the Forestry Department, on behalf of the representatives of the late Nicholas Butler, of Kilclooney, Kilmacthomas, with a view to purchasing 23 acres, detached from the estate by a narrow road and adjoining Butler's holding; and if, in view of the position in the country due to the scarcity of essential foods, he will state the reasons why land suitable for tillage and agricultural production generally is being taken by the Forestry Department while there is plenty of unarable land available for planting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shanahan Estate (County Waterford).
Mr. Boland
Only a small portion of this forest centre could possibly be regarded as arable and the retention of that portion in my Department's hands is essential for the preservation of the forest amenities. It is not practicable in the circumstances to sell the lands in question to Mrs. Butler, who has a large holding nearby. The Deputy's suggestion that land suitable for agriculture is being acquired for afforestation is quite incorrect; forestry land is generally of the inferior non-arable type, but practically every forest centre will naturally contain some small patches of better-class land.