asked the Minister for Lands if he will state (a) what lands in County Limerick are being acquired for afforestation purposes during the current year, (b) what offers have been accepted and the total acreage in each case, and (c) whether negotiations are in progress for the purchase of other lands, and, if so, if he will give particulars.

Since the 1st April, 1955, my Department has acquired a total of 592 acres in County Limerick for afforestation purposes.

Price agreement has been reached in the case of three offers in the townlands of Forkeala, Liskennett East and Keale, comprising 1,022, 24 and two acres respectively—a total of 1,048 acres—and investigation of title is proceeding.

In addition, negotiations are in progress for the purchase of eight further areas totalling 872 acres in the county.