asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether a decision has been made to cease production on the Bord na Móna bogs administered from Castlerea; and, if so, what alternative means of employment is being made available to the families whose livelihood is involved.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Production in County Roscommon.
A decision regarding the bogs to be worked by Bord na Móna in the Castlerea area in the 1953 season has not yet been made. I have been informed by Bord na Móna that in past seasons they experienced difficulty in getting sufficient workers within the Castlerea area for these bogs.
Did I understand the Minister to say that a decision has not yet been reached regarding the bogs to be worked by Bord na Mónain the Castlerea area in the 1953 season? Is it not a fact that at present they are winding up operations in the Castlerea area and removing their machinery?
A decision as to the bogs to be worked has not yet been taken. Not all the bogs worked last year will be taken this year.
Is the Minister not aware that a considerable quantity of turf is on the hands of Bord na Móna in the Castlerea area and no attempt has been made to get rid of it?
I would not say that no attempt has been made to get rid of it: rather would I say that no success was met with in attempting to get rid of it.
In view of the fact that Bord na Móna has such considerable quantities of turf on hands in the Castlerea area, and also local private producers, will the Minister take every possible step to ensure that every effort is made to get rid of the turf on hands in that area before the new season starts?
Every effort will be made to get rid of it before the new season starts.