asked the Minister for Lands why the Scrahanfada bog development scheme, Gneeveguilla, Rathmore, ceased in November, 1948, without the necessary work being finished; and whether he will state (i) on whose authority work was stopped, and (ii) when it will be resumed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Development in County Kerry.
The Scrahanfada development scheme, to which the Deputy refers, forms part of a comprehensive scheme of turbary development being carried out by the Land Commission on the Earl of Kenmare estate. The works in connection with this scheme cover a wide area and will take some considerable time to complete. A sum of over £20,000 has been expended on the work to date. The work on Scrahanfada section of the scheme is continuing and, given suitable weather, will continue until completed.
asked the Minister for Lands why the development of 900 acres of bog at Kilquane, Cordal, Castleisland, begun in 1948, is not yet complete; whether he is aware that there are about 200 applicants awaiting allotments of turbary in the area; and, if so, whether he will state (i) whether the work of development has been resumed, and (ii) when a division of the turbary is likely to be made.
When allotting lands acquired in the townlands of Kilquane and Cordal East and the Land Commission reserved the turbary rights over an area of some 375 acres, not 900 acres as suggested in the Deputy's question, so as to provide local applicants with turbary. Last year the turbary rights on part of this area were allotted to approved allottees. The rights over the balance were not allotted as the allottees approved therefore were not at the time willing to accept their allotments.
A further effort to allot the balance of the turbary will be made in the near future.
The Land Commission propose to continue improvements works on the road and drains on the bogs.