asked the Minister for Lands whether, in view of the recent discharge of a large number of forestry workers at Kilworth, County Cork, he will expedite negotiations for the taking over of a large tract of land at Araglen, contiguous to Kilworth, which has been on offer to his Department for some time, in order that the men discharged can be offered employment there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Forestry Lands.
My Department has reached agreement for the purchase of two areas totalling 155 acres in the Kilworth district and the legal formalities are being completed.
Negotiations have been opened or are pending in respect of three other areas totalling 81 acres and preliminary investigations are proceeding in respect of 5 further areas totalling 126 acres in the same district.
In addition, a block of offers totalling almost 450 acres in the Araglen district have been received and are being investigated.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department is very anxious to build up reserves of land in the Kilworth Araglen district and that consideration of all offers received will be expedited as much as possible.