asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether in view of the policy of the Government with regard to peat fuel development he will consider the advisability of taking steps to compel local authorities to use peat fuel in establishments under their control; whether he is aware that in many areas where there is a plentiful supply of peat fuel coal is used in such establishments, particularly in the cases of Letterkenny Mental Hospital and District Hospitals in Donegal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authorities and the Use of Peat.
Local authorities have already been addressed as to the advisability of substituting turf of suitable quality for imported coal in the institutions under their charge.
The general question of the utilisation of peat supplies is at present being examined by the Peat Development Section of the Department of Industry and Commerce. Reconsideration of the position of local authorities must wait on the results of the consideration of the general question.