asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that the Forestry Division propose to allocate over 150 acres of arable land on the Decies estate, Kinnity, County Offaly, for afforestation purposes, and that these lands were used by the previous owner for the production of wheat and root crops; and, if so, whether he will review his decision after consultation with tillage officers of the Department of Agriculture and let the arable land to local people for the purpose of increasing agricultural production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Decies Estate, County Offaly.
As I pointed out to Deputy O'Higgins in reply to a similar question on the 22nd October last the Land Commission are arranging to take over all the good agricultural land they require (amounting to nearly 300 acres) on this estate. A certain area of arable land is being retained by the Forestry Division for nursery purposes. My information does not confirm the statement that 150 acres which formerly bore agricultural crops are now being afforestated.
Mr. O'Higgins
How much is being retained by the Forestry Division?
I do not think that a final decision has been taken.
Can the Minister say what acreage of arable land was used by the previous owner for wheat, turnips and other root crops?
I cannot say. In connection with forestry, there is a saving in administrative costs and development costs if these blocks can be secured in a rectangular form or a form that will need the least expense in regard to fencing and so on. My information is that there may have been certain areas here and there which had been tilled but, unless it is shown that the Land Commission have not sufficient land for their purposes in the other land which they have acquired, I do not think any question arises.
Would the Minister be good enough, especially in view of the necessity for collective responsibility in regard to agricultural policy, to consult with his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, or the officers of the Department on the assertion made in the question? I will be satisfied if he does that.
Is the Minister aware that very large areas of fairly good agricultural land have been put under forestry, particularly in County Wicklow?