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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Roads.

asked the Minister for Finance to state whether he is aware that a large quantity of turf which was cut last year is still lying on several bogs situated around Portarlington in the Counties of Leix-Offaly; that the persons who own the turf are unable to get it out of the bogs owing to the impassable condition of the bog roads, and that the persons concerned and others are being obliged to purchase turf in the town at the high figure of 3/- per cwt.; and if he will allocate whatever sum is required to have the several bog roads repaired immediately and thereby relieve a fuel famine in an area where there is an abundance of good turf available.

I am advised that any scarcity of turf in Portarlington town is not due to the impassable condition of the roads, as most of the turf cut last year which is still lying on bogs situated around Portarlington is not fully saved.

Grants have already been sanctioned for the repair of certain roads in this area to facilitate the removal of the 1943 turf crop, and further grants are being considered in the case of other roads the necessity for which was only recently brought to my notice.

asked the Minister for Finance whether he has received any proposals from the County Manager for the counties of Leix-Offaly, requesting him to provide grants for the making or repair of several bog roads in the counties mentioned; whether he is aware that a large quantity of turf cut last year is still lying on the bogs owing to the bad condition of the roads, and if he will now state whether he is prepared to allocate the full amount required by the county manager concerned for the purpose of carrying out this very urgent work, and if he will issue instructions to have the work commenced and completed without further delay.

The county councils of the counties concerned have been authorised to proceed with specific bog development works including bog roads on certain bogs acquired by them and have been informed that grants for the work will be made available out of State funds. I am informed that the present condition of the roads is not holding up the removal of turf cut last year. I understand work has already begun on most of these schemes and that there will be no undue delay in starting the others. No other representations on the matter of bog roads have been received from the county manager.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary inform the House who told him that all the necessary grants have been made available, and that no turf is lying on the bogs as a result of the impassable condition of the roads? That is not my information. Did the Parliamentary Secretary get that information from the county manager?

I am not suggesting that all the roads needed in Offaly or Laoighis are being made now. I am suggesting that any demands made by the county manager have been met.

asked the Minister for Finance to state the total amount allocated for the making and repairing of bog roads and other relief schemes in the Counties of (1) Leix, (2) Offaly, for the year ending 31st March, 1943.

The total amounts of State grants allocated to date in the current financial year for the services referred to are: Laoighis, £7,040; Offaly, £11,490.

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