asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the total acreage of bogland on the Coote estate, County Laoighis; whether he has received repeated applications from town tenants in Mountrath, Castletown and other areas in the county pressing for the acquisition and division of the bogs situated on this estate, and what action he has already taken or proposes taking for the purpose of providing town tenants and others concerned in the areas mentioned with reasonable turbary rights.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Acquisition and Division of Bogs.
The area of bogland in the estate is about 2,000 acres, and applications have been received for division of these bogs. Arrangements have been made for an early inspection with a view to considering the question of the provision of turbary for local needs.
Is it not a fact that inspection took place some considerable time ago of bogs on this estate? How then can the Minister expect people in the area to treble the output of turf if bogs of such a large acreage are to be held by a few owners who would not give reasonable turbary facilities?
The Deputy must remember that it would take some time even to acquire bogs. The inspectors have received instructions to do everything possible to enable the bogs to be taken over during the present season. This particular estate is very scattered and there are several sections of bog. I am informed that the inspection is probably taking place this week.