asked the Minister for Lands whether the Forestry Branch have on hands, or propose to acquire any lands in North Kildare for afforestation purposes; and whether it is proposed to undertake planting or preparatory work on such lands this year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Afforestation in North Kildare.
There are two State forests, Donadea and Edenderry, in North County Kildare with a total productive area of 1,888 acres, of which 1,693 acres have been planted. There is no reserve of land available for planting at Edenderry forest; at Donadea the reserve is 195 acres of which 75 acres will be planted this year.
As regards future prospects, my Department has reached agreement for the purchase of an area of 31 acres which will be attached to Edenderry forest and the legal formalities are being completed. Negotiations are in progress for the purchase of two further areas totalling 264 acres which, if acquired, will also be attached to Edenderry forest. In the Donadea area negotiations have been opened for the purchase of three areas totalling 254 acres. Pending acquisition of the areas in question I am not in a position to indicate when work will be commenced there.