asked the Minister for Lands if he will request the Forestry Section of his Department to investigate the feasibility of acquiring lands in the Gurteen area, Ballinasloe, County Galway, for planting.

It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to the Gorteen area near Aughrim. The Forestry Division of my Department has inspected a number of areas offered to it in this locality but they were not considered suitable for acquisition.

82.

asked the Minister for Lands if he is aware that there are about 400 acres of land at Colemanstown, Ballinasloe, County Galway, which are ideally suited for afforestation purposes; and if he will ask the Forestry Section of his Department to investigate the possibility of purchasing them for this purpose.

The Forestry Division of my Department is dealing with nine offers comprising 368 acres in the Colemanstown area. Agreement to purchase five areas totalling 288 acres has been reached and title is in course of clearance. Negotiations to purchase four other areas comprising 80 acres are in progress.