asked the Minister for Lands if he has received a report from Kilcormac, Offaly, to the effect that there are a large number of unemployed workers who cannot obtain work from Bord na Móna and who are anxious to be employed on future forestry developments in the area; and if he will state what plans his Department have in mind for development work at Ridgmount and Ballybracken, Kilcormac, and when such work is likely to commence.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Development Schemes.
I understand that there is an employment problem in the Kilcormac area. The area was the subject of a special survey recently carried out and two offers of land for forestry purposes totalling 437 acres were received. Negotiations for the purchase of these areas are in progress and will be expedited as much as possible. Agreement to purchase another area of 110 acres in the same locality has been reached and the legal formalities are being completed. At this stage I am unable to say when work will commence in the area.