asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the Laoighis county manager has taken over control of turf banks at Derrykearn bog, Abbeyleix, which were previously worked by 11 families in that area, leaving those families without turf; and if he will issue instructions to the county manager to let those banks to the people who previously held them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abbeyleix Turf Banks.
I am aware that the Laoighis County Council acquired portion of the Derrykearn bog and that up to 1945 the county council granted temporary turf production facilities in the bog to a number of private persons. I am informed that these facilities have been withdrawn, as the council have undertaken turf production in the area for the 1946 season so as to produce the quantity of turf required. The persons concerned were fully aware that the accommodation provided was of temporary duration. I am informed that there are alternative bogs in the district available for letting on terms not less favourable than those granted by the county council. If this accommodation is not available or cannot be obtained the county council should be so informed in order that the matter be reexamined.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the county council have been so informed and that the only alternative turf banks that can be suggested by the county council to these 11 families are in an area where turf is either non-existent or nonusable? Further, is he aware that many of these 11 families were in the position of occupying, as tenants, the turf banks taken over for more than 25 years before the county council started their activities on the banks?
Our information is slightly more favourable. We understand that turf is available on the de Vesci estate bog, which is the same distance from the lessees as the previous bog. The turf may be of slightly inferior quality, but it should be suitable. If no satisfaction can be obtained, the matter can be reopened.
The Parliamentary Secretary's information is half correct. There is turf on the de Vesci estate, but every bank there worth working has been working since the beginning of the emergency. The county council did not consider the turf banks left on the de Vesci estate worth cutting; that is why they dispossessed these people. I think that it is only necessary to place all the facts before the Parliamentary Secretary and then justice will be done. In the circumstances, I will ask the permission of the Chair to raise this matter on the Adjournment this evening.