asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if Bord na Móna propose to develop 1,200 acres of bog at Garryhinch, between Mountmellick and Portarlington; and, if so, if he will indicate the nature of the development in this case, the approximate number of workers to be employed and if turf will be produced at Garryhinch for use in the local Electricity Supply Board power station.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Development.
Bord na Móna propose to develop 1,500 acres of Garryhinch bog under the second development programme. Drainage work is at present in progress and some 30 men are employed on that work. When the bog is in full production it is estimated that employment will be afforded for about 200 men in the summer and about 100 in the winter. No decision has yet been taken as to whether the turf from this bog will be used at the Portarlington generating station or for industrial and domestic use.
Is the Minister aware that at the moment turf is being brought to the power station at Portarlington from the West of Ireland and the South of Ireland at great expense, and that railway wagons and time are taken up with its transport? Would the Minister not consider getting the turf from a bog which is convenient to the power station and which is adequate to meet all the requirements at Portarlington?
The Deputy may be assured that there will be plenty of turf for Portarlington station.