asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce: (i) if it is the policy of Bord na Móna to take over small bog allotments from small farmers who were and are depending solely for a livelihood on the sale of saved turf from such; (ii) if he is aware that Bord na Móna have already entered on the bog, containing about six acres, of William Ward, Shraharoagh, Louisburgh, County Mayo, while there are large tracts of other bogs in the area the owners of which would gladly offer same to the board; (iii) that Mr. Ward is mainly depending on the income from this bog; and if he will ensure that this does not occur again.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna and small Bog Allotments.
It is not the policy of Bord na Móna to acquire turbary from smallholders who depend for a livelihood on the sale of turf and special precautions are taken by the board to avoid any such interference. The bog referred to by the Deputy has been vested in the Mayo County Council acting on behalf of the board, but it has been made clear to the owner that it is not the board's intention to utilise his bog for production of turf or to interfere in any way with his turf-cutting operations. The purpose of the arrangement is merely to provide access to an adjoining bog on which the board intends to operate. The position has been explained to the owner who has stated that he has no objection to this procedure.