Vol. 203 No. 2
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the huge peat resources available in the Erris areas of North Mayo, he will discuss with the ESB the possibility of extending further the output of the electricity generating station at Bellacorick, County Mayo, including the construction of additional production units.
24.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will request Bord na Móna to make a survey of the huge unused peat potential in the coast areas of Ballycroy and Erris North, County Mayo, with a view to having them developed for the production of turf briquettes or for other suitable industrial development.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 24 together.
As stated in my replies of 12th March last surveys previously carried out by Bord na Móna in the peat areas referred to indicate that they are unsuitable for economic peat production by present methods. There could, of course, be no expansion of generating capacity unless the necessary area of bog could be developed to serve it. I am asking Bord na Móna to examine the position again.
