asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will consider at an early date the development on a large scale of the bog at Borness and Garryhinch, between Mountmellick and Portarlington; if he has any reports as to the quality of turf which could be produced from this bog; and if he will request the observations of the county surveyor, Offaly, on the matter, with a view to large-scale development.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Development of Bogs.
The county surveyors in the various turf-production counties are fully alive to the necessity of utilising all bogland in their areas in which good quality of turf can be produced and which is conveniently situated from the point of view of the labour required for its working and also from the standpoint of turf transport. The arrangements made by the Offaly County Council this year do not include the bogland referred to, but I understand that the acquisition of the bog for the purpose of making leases to persons in the Mountmellick area is under consideration at present.