asked the Minister for Lands when the Land Commission propose to carry out a drainage scheme on a bog at Cornafulla North, on the O'Connor Estate, County Roscommon.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Roscommon Bog Drainage Scheme.
34.
The Land Commission have on hands, for development and allotment, some 80 acres of virgin bog in Cornafulla but, as yet, I am unable to say when development work, including drainage of the turbary, will commerce.
Is the Minister aware that most of the farmers concerned are small farmers who depend on the sale of turf, the growing of vegetables and the cultivation of seed potatoes on cutaway bog? In those circumstances would the Minister not urge upon, or suggest to, the Land Commission that this essential work should be carried out in the coming Spring?
Like all turbary jobs, as the Deputy will appreciate, this will involve considerable drainage. I understand that the necessary type of men are not available at the moment and it will take some time for the scheme to be prepared. I cannot say whether it will be carried our next Spring. All I can say is that a scheme is being prepared for the division of the bog.