asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will consider continuing to operate the Coolronan, Derryhinch, Milltown Pass and Tyrrell's Pass bogs, as their closing would cause serious unemployment in the Meath-Westmeath areas adjacent to them; or, alternatively, whether he will request Bord na Móna to take over and operate these bogs as considerable State funds have been spent in preparing them for production.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna Turf Cutting.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether Bord na Móna have ceased turf cutting on the Coolronan bog, Meath-Westmeath.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 43 and 44 together.
The bogs referred to were operated under the special turf production scheme which has been discontinued. The workers employed on these bogs at the date of closing are being offered alternative employment by Bord na Móna on permanent schemes to which hostels are attached. As production on these bogs has been uneconomic, I am not prepared to ask Bord na Móna to continue to operate the bogs as part of their permanent programme.