asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that 64 tenants are entitled to cut turf on Rossan bog, Toppin estate, County Meath, and that the roads leading to the bog are defective having regard to the volume of traffic they will be required to carry; further, whether he is aware that the majority of the people concerned reside in County Westmeath; and, whether, therefore, he is prepared to take steps, in view of the fact that most users of the bog do not reside within the area under the jurisdiction of Meath County Council, to secure that the bog roads are put into a proper condition of repair and that the bog is effectively drained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Roads in County Meath.
I am aware that an area of bog on the Toppin estate, County Meath, was some years ago divided by the Land Commission among a large number of tenants. The county council have acquired portion of this bog in respect of which a substantial State grant has been sanctioned for drainage and road works including roads to facilitate the removal of privately produced turf. If the Deputy will furnish particulars of the individual roads referred to in the question, inquiries will be made as to whether they are included in the county council scheme of works.
Generally speaking, grants for the repair or construction of bog roads are considered on the merits of each case, and sanction is given for essential works the cost of which is commensurate with the quantity of turf produced in the bog.