Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the acreage of potatoes grown here in 2006; the most prominent varieties; the value of the crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24999/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The CSO estimated that the area of potatoes grown in 2005 was 12,200 hectares. All indications are that the area will be lower in 2006. Official CSO figures for 2006 plantings will not be available until much later in the year. The main varieties are Rooster, Kerr's Pinks and British Queens, which account for almost 70% of the area planted. Other important varieties include Lady Claire, Record and Lady Rosetta. Potato production in 2005 is estimated at 422,000 tonnes. While the CSO has not published the estimated value of the 2005 crop, the 2004 crop was valued at €91 million.