asked the Minister for Justice if he has received any complaints concerning the pilfering and stealing of turf in the Glencree and Glassymucky bog areas, and if he will allocate members of the Gárda Síochána to check up on persons removing turf to see that they have bog holders' licences, and if he will have a checking up on all lorries leaving the turf areas, with a view to stopping the stealing and pilfering of turf.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pilfering of Turf.
Since the commencement of the present turf season 15 complaints relative to the larceny of turf were received by the Gárdaí in the Tallaght area, which embraces the Glassymucky Bog. In every one of these cases the offender has been made amenable. No complaints have so far been received as regards the Glencree Bog.
The Gárdaí are fully alive to the possibility of large scale stealing of turf from the bogs during the present season, and already all possible steps on the lines suggested in the question are being taken within the limits of the Gárda personnel available. The co-operation of the L.S.F. has also been obtained, particularly in the Glencree area. The problem of devising really effective preventive measures is a difficult one having regard to the very extensive area involved, its isolation and remoteness in many parts from the Gárda stations, and the fact that it is only very thinly populated. I am having the whole matter further examined with a view to bringing into operation, if at all possible, additional protective measures during the remainder of the turf season.