asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to divide the Bloomfield bog (T.H.B. Ruttledge estate), situate near Hollymount, County Mayo, and what are the reasons why the division of this bog has been so long delayed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Division of County Mayo Bog.
The scheme for division of the Bloomfield bog on the estate of R. F. Ruttledge, Record No. S 1523, is to be dealt with in conjunction with schemes for a number of other bogs in South Mayo, covering a large area. Before the division of these bogs could be undertaken it was necessary to carry out extensive development in the way of drainage and roads. This development is now nearing completion, but at the moment it is not possible to say when the division of the bogs will take place.
Does the Minister not know that for many years —for the last ten or 15 years at least— people have been paying the Land Commission very high conacre rents for these bogs, which ought to have been divided amongst these people— especially as he must know that these people have been processed?
Mr. Boland
All I can say is that we hope to have the Bloomfield bog divided. I am not quite certain as to when it will be done.
Well, will the Minister say that he will make every effort to see that, before this turf cutting season comes along, the Bloomfield bog will be divided?
Mr. Boland
Yes, we will do what we can.