asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the worsening position in regard to fuel supplies for household, industrial and institutional use, and with particular reference to those who have been in recent years customers of Bord na Móna, obtaining their fuel supplies, viz., turf, from Clonsast works, he will instruct Bord na Móna to release for sale 20,000 to 25,000 tons of turf immediately to meet urgent needs before Christmas and in the New Year; further, if he will state what quantity of turf is at present stored at the power station, Portarlington, what is the weekly consumption, and what quantity of turf of the current season's production remains unsold at Clonsast works.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Supplies.
The total quantity of turf produced at Clonsast this year will be required to meet the demands of the electricity generating station at Portarlington and also for supply to institutions, industrial users, etc., under contracts entered into by Bord na Móna. Supplies cannot, therefore, be made available as suggested by the Deputy.
The quantity of turf at present stored at the Portarlington electricity generating station is estimated at 20,000 tons and the weekly consumption at 2,000 tons. The quantity of turf remaining on the Clonsast bog and which will be harvested is estimated at 80,000 tons, but as stated this turf is earmarked to meet contracts already entered into including the Electricity Supply Board for the Portarlington generating station.