asked the Minister for Lands (a) what land for forestry purposes has been acquired in County Westmeath; (b) when it is expected planting will begin on such land; (c) the number of people employed at the latest available date; (d) the method used to recruit employees, and (e) what additional land if any, his Department have under consideration for acquisition for forestry purposes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Longford-Westmeath Forestry Lands.
65.
The total area of land held by my Department for afforestation purposes in County Westmeath is 6,741 acres, including 6,461 acres of productive land. A total area of 5,544 acres has been planted to date. There are at present 113 cases on offer for afforestation purposes in County Westmeath totalling 3,371 acres.
There are at present 56 men employed on forestry work in the county. Forestry workers are normally recruited through the local employment exchanges.
66.
asked the Minister for Lands (a) what land for forestry purposes has been acquired in County Longford; (b) when it is expected planting will begin on such land; (c) the number of people employed at the lastest available date; (d) the method used to recruit employees; (e) what additional land, if any, his Department have under consideration for acquisition for forestry purposes.
The total area of land acquired by my Department for afforestation purposes in County Longford is 3,489 acres, including 3,355 acres of productive land. A total area of 3,039 acres has been planted to date. There are at present 92 cases totalling 1,468 acres on offer for afforestation purposes in County Longford.
There are at present 38 men employed on forestry work in the county. Forestry workers are normally recruited through the local employment exchanges.