asked the Minister for Lands what steps have been taken to acquire lands for forestry purposes in the Erris area of North Mayo; and what results have been achieved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Land Acquisition in Mayo.
97.
A research forestry centre has already been established at Glenamoy in the Erris area.
Several areas have been considered for acquisition for State Forestry purposes in this part of County Mayo in recent years but many of these areas have had to be rejected because of poor soil quality and extreme exposure. It may be possible to review a number of these areas in due course when more knowledge of the problems associated with planting on similar peat areas is available as a result of the work being done at Glenamoy and Nephin Beg centres.
At present, definite acquisition prospects in the Erris area are confined to an area of 1,800 acres at Glenturk Beg, of which it is hoped to take possession next month. There are a number of other cases at the preliminary stages of investigation.