asked the Minister for Lands if he will indicate, in respect of ash suitable for the manufacture of hurley sticks (a) the locations of areas planted, (b) the total number of cubic feet in each area, (c) the age of each plantation, (d) the present annual and projected output of commercial ash for the next decade, and (e) the planned planting decade, and (e) the planned planting programme at present.
Written Answers. - Ash Plantations.
90.
, Cavan): The information is not available in the form or in the detail sought by the Deputy. The State forest areas suitable for the planting of ash, which is a demanding species, are limited and the species tends to be planted in small lots as part of larger plantations, mainly in limestone areas. Over the last five years an average of some 41,000 ash were planted annually.
I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to meet the requirements of the manufacturers of hurleys and I have instructed the Forest and Wildlife Service of my Department to continue to have regard to future needs in settling their annual planting programmes.