asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that some hundreds of persons, resident in Dublin City, have taken over the working of turf bogs in the Glencree district, County Wicklow, and avail of the week-ends and holidays for the cutting of turf; and whether, having regard to the hardships and difficulties of reaching this area, he will consider the desirability of having arrangements made for some form of transport to ply between Terenure and the bog area at fixed periods daily.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport for Turf Workers.
I regret that it is not possible to make an allocation of petrol for the purpose referred to in the Deputy's question.
Is there any form of transport, other than that for which petrol is required, which the Minister could suggest in this case?
I could not suggest any other form of transport.
What about army lorries?
They are run on petrol.
I am sure the Minister appreciates that these men are doing great work out there on the bog.
I appreciate that fully, but the problem, as the Deputy will realise, is by no means peculiar to Dublin. In fact, we find it impossible in many cases to provide similar transport facilities even for persons whose livelihood depends on securing transport to take them to their work.
Have they any producer-gas lorries in the Army?
They have. Of course, it is not merely a question of providing equipment. The provision of transport facilities of this kind which would require not merely petrol, lubricating oil and tyres, could not be confined to one locality or to one group of people. If provided in one case it would have to be provided in a number of cases, and we could not possibly do that.
Could it not be done even in the case of the larger cities?
Even to provide the facilities mentioned for the larger cities alone would involve a great deal of additional transport.