asked the Minister for Lands the total acreage of County Leitrim; the acreage now under forestry in Leitrim; the acreage planted last year; and if he intends to use compulsory powers to acquire land from many farmers in order to have a higher acreage for forestry plantation in Country Leitrim.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leitrim Afforestation.
87.
The total area of County Leitrim is 392,758 acres. The area under State plantations is 16,968 acres and the area planted in 1968-69 was 1,240 acres.
As stated last week, I am having the question of afforestation in Leitrim specially examined at the moment. In the meantime the ordinary process of negotiation and purchase under our new system of land valuation is continuing and will be intensified.