asked the Minister for Lands whether he is aware that a considerable area of waste or semi-waste land lies between Dungarvan, County Waterford, and Ardmore, and if he will have inquiries made with a view to ascertaining if these lands are suitable for afforestation purposes.

Inquiries have been already made regarding the suitability for afforestation purposes of the area to which the Deputy refers. Some 4,500 acres of the Villiers-Stuart estate have been inspected of which 1,300 acres have been acquired. It was found that the remaining 3,200 acres were definitely unsuitable for planting on account of the poor soil conditions and the severe exposure to wind.