asked the Minister for Lands whether lands have been acquired in the Dublin Mountains or Featherbed area for the purpose of afforestation; and, if so, what area has been prepared and what area has been planted; and if no land has as yet been acquired, whether it is intended to do so in the near future.

The Forestry Division have acquired 3,127 acres in the Dublin Mountains. This area comprises 1,084 acres in the Killakee district, 1,783 acres in the Saggart district and 260 acres in the Ballycorus district. Of these areas 1,802 acres have been planted.