andP. Beegan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of his statement on 9th May, 1956, that it was not the intention of Bord na Móna to develop at this stage the bogs in the townlands of Garryduff, Kilmacshane, Kellysgrove and Mullaghmore in the Banagher-Ballinasloe area, he will ask the board to utilise these bogs for the establishment of a briquette factory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Briquette Factory.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that the quality of the turf in the bogs in question is not sufficiently high to hold out favourable prospects for the economic production of briquettes.
Arising out of the reply, is the Minister aware that Bord na Móna has carried out an inspection of this bog and that the turf has been found suitable for the manufacture of briquettes?
All I can say is that Bord na Móna, which is the technical authority in this matter, has reported to me that the quality of the turf in this bog is not sufficiently high to hold out favourable prospects for the economic production of briquettes. I am accepting the view of Bord na Móna as the best qualified technically.
Further arising from the reply, is the Minister aware that these bogs adjoin and form part of what is known as the worst flooded areas of the Shannon Valley? In view of the fact that the bogs have already been surveyed by Bord na Móna would the Minister consider that it would be a useful way of mitigating the hardships of the people in that area to have some bog development carried out and some industry established there by Bord na Móna?
That is not the question I was asked. I was asked if Bord na Móna would utilise these bogs for the establishment of a briquette factory. I consulted Bord na Móna and they say these bogs are not suitable for such a purpose. If the Deputy wants to make any further suggestion by way of parliamentary question I will be happy to have the matter examined for him.