146 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry whether he has received representations from the Residents Associations in Cúil Aodha protesting about the proposed forestry planting in the area and the effect this will have on a scenic site of ecological and archaeological importance; and if so, the action, if any, he proposes to take in this regard. [22872/96]

I have received representations from a number of sources, including the local residents associations, regarding planting in this area. As part of the planting grant application assessment process undertaken by my Department considerations such as ecological and archaeological importance are addressed. In this case my Department liaised with a number of competent agencies regarding the site. These included, from an archaeological perspective, the National Monuments Service of the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht, from an ecological perspective, the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the same Department and, from a landscape perspective, Cork County Council, and account was taken of their advice.