asked the Minister for Local Government if, in view of the need for the production of the greatest quantity of turf, grants will be made available for the drainage of bogs and improvement of bog roads where required for turf development.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Drainage of Bogs.
My functions in this matter relate only to bogs acquired by local authorities. These authorities have already been informed by me that grants for works under the Local Authorities (Works) Act, 1949, may be used for the drainage and repair of bog roads which in the opinion of the local authority have sustained or are likely to sustain damage from flooding, landslide, subsidence or other similar occurrence.
They have further been informed that, subject to the approval of Dáil Éireann, grants will also be made available in due course to recoup expenditure necessarily incurred in the making and repair of bog roads other than repairs carried out under the Local Authorities (Works) Acts, 1949. A provision for this purpose has been included in the Estimates of the Special Employment Schemes Office.