asked the Minister for Lands the total acreage under forestry at present; the acreage planted in each of the last three years; the target for the future planting of trees; and the acreage available for planting.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Forestry Acreage.
11.
The total area of State forest lands afforested as at 31st March, 1973, was 597,659 acres. Areas of 22,069 acres, 24,759 acres and 24,423 acres were planted in the years 1970-71, 1971-72 and 1972-73 respectively.
The annual State forest planting target is 10,000 hectares—25,000 acres—per annum. The nominal plantable reserve stands at 32,988 hectares—81,513 acres—but for a variety of reasons, including land required for amenity, conservation or nursery purpose or lands subject to long letting or grazing or turbary rights, a substantial portion of this area would not be immediately available for planting.