asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the reasons his Department have not planted an area of land (details supplied) in County Galway despite the fact that they promised to plant it quickly; the date it was acquired; the amount of land acquired; the date on which it will now be planted; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - County Galway Afforestation.
350.
The property in question, comprising only 3.8 hectares, came into the possession of my Department in October 1978. Planting of this relatively small and isolated area was deferred in anticipation of further land acquisition in the immediate locality which would have provided a sizeable block with economic development potential. Unfortunately the expected additional acquisitions did not materialise. In the circumstances planting of the area mentioned has not taken place but efforts are being made to include it in a planting programme as soon as possible.