asked the Minister for Lands whether he is now in a position to sanction the establishment of a forestry centre at Lickeen, Glencar.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Lands and Forestry.
asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (1) whether agreements has yet been reached on the acquisition of the lands at Lickeen, Glencar, County Kerry, as a key centre for afforestation in the Killorglin-Glenbeigh-Glencar-Beaufort area, and when development is likely to begin; (2) the position as regards the survey and acquisition of lands offered for afforestation in the areas of which Kenmare and Cordal, Castleisland, are the key centres, as well as in areas such as Glenflesk where Killarney is the key centre; and, further, if he will expedite the survey and acquisition of all lands in South Kerry, which, on examination, prove suitable for forestry development.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will take together Questions Nos. 17 and 18. In the Glencar district, agreement has not yet been reached on the purchase of the key area of approximately 375 acres at Lickeen.
In the Kenmare district, the Forestry Division holds 520 acres. As a result of a recent inspection, it is proposed to negotiate for the purchase of a further 1,200 acres.
In the Castleisland district, the purchase of about 750 acres is almost completed. Negotiations in respect of a further 850 acres have fallen through. Other areas totalling 1,760 acres were offered for afforestation, but were found, on inspection, to be unsuitable for planting.
In the Glenflesk district, a preliminary inspection has been made, but most of the land on offer to the Forestry Division appears to be unsuitable. A further inspection will be made.
Taking South Kerry as a whole, there is no avoidable delay in surveying and negotiating for the purchase of all suitable areas which are offered for sale for afforestation purposes.
asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a substantial area of land is now being offered to his Department for afforestation purposes at Kilderry, Milltown, County Kerry, and whether he is prepared to sanction the carrying through of a forestry scheme at Kilderry and Keelacloghane which can be developed as a forestry scheme for the Milltown area.
An afforestation scheme for this district cannot be undertaken until a suitable compact area is made available. So far, only small, scattered areas have been offered for forestry purposes.
Mr. Flynn
Will the Minister consider the question of grouping that area with Glencar so as to have a good economic scheme for the whole district?
I will consider that.