asked the Minister for Lands what progress has been made towards the acquisition for forestry purposes of the various lands in the Ballycroy district, Westport, County Mayo.

The Forestry Division has in the past few years inspected areas totalling over 13,000 acres in the Ballycroy district but with the exception of one area of 337 acres the lands have been found generally unsuitable for forestry purposes because of poor soil quality and exposure. One of the areas inspected comprising 5,500 acres will be reconsidered in a few years' time when the results of experimental planting on similar soil-types in the West become available.

Negotiations will be opened shortly for the purchase of the area of 337 acres which I mentioned.