asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware: (1) that a large number of bogs in the Counties of Leix and Offaly which were taken over by the county council for the production of turf had their valuation increased by reason of the use to which they were put by the county council; (2) that although the county council has now handed these bogs back to their owners the valuation placed on them during the years they were so used has not been revised; and (3) what steps he now proposes to take to relieve owners of such bogs of the liability for increased rates during the period which must elapse before such valuations can be revised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Valuation of Bogs.
There was no increase in turbary valuation in Leix and Offaly prior to 1947-48, but in that year increases came into effect in 62 cases. The present valuations must now stand for 1948-49 but the owners of the turbaries can have the valuations revised for 1949-50 on application to the county council before the 15th June, 1948. I have no functions as regards the matter referred to in the concluding part of the question.