asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the entire acreage held by the Forestry Division; and how much of that land is arable.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acreage held by Forestry Division.
The total acreage held by the Forestry Division as at 31st March, 1958, was 365,230 acres. This acreage includes State forest nursery lands and accommodation lands serving houses on State forest property.
The total planted area is 257,467 acres. An insignificant proportion of this area could be regarded as arable but no statistical analysis is available. The lands have been acquired over a period of some 54 years.
As Deputies are aware it is a standing practice to consult the Land Commission if land which appears to have any significant value for agriculture is offered for acquisition for forestry purposes.