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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Feb 1965

Vol. 214 No. 2

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Roscommon Bogs.

19.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Bord na Móna propose to make turf from Mountdillon bog, County Roscommon, available for local consumption in the coming season.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that it is their intention to make turf for local consumption available from Mountdillon Works, County Roscommon, in the coming year. The quantity available for local sale will depend on the outcome of the 1965 production season and other factors. The Board do not expect, however, that local sales, other than on foot of contracts, will be resumed before September next.

I appreciate the Minister's reply, but will he have it borne in mind by Bord na Móna that the people within a reasonable distance of Mountdillon are entitled to get their supplies of turf there instead of being told, as they were some time ago, to go to the midlands for their turf, turf which should be available within a reasonable distance?

Bord na Móna will do all they can but there is a scheduled quantity required for the power station. The surplus will be made available locally.

20.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Bord na Móna have any plans for the utilisation and development of the Kilteevan bog, County Roscommon.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that they have no plans for the development of Kilteevan bog, County Roscommon.

Have they carried out any survey?

I understand there has been a preliminary survey but the bog, in present circumstances, will be used only as an addition to the Lanesboro bog system in order to lengthen the life of the Lanesboro power station.

21.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether Bord na Móna have any plans for the development of bogs in west Roscommon in view of their suitability for development and the need to provide badly needed employment in the area.

I am informed by Bord na Móna that they have no plans for the development of bogs in west Roscommon, which the Board consider to be unsuitable for commercial development. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, Bord na Móna are developing bogs in south Roscommon where the operation can be carried out at an economic cost.

I did not ask about south Roscommon because I am well acquainted with it. I am asking about west Roscommon. Is the Minister aware that west Roscommon is the worst hit area in Ireland as far as unemployment is concerned, that Bord na Móna developed these bogs some years ago, that a considerable amount of capital was spent, that there is evidence available suggesting that these bogs, if now taken over again by Bord na Móna, could be successfully utilised and developed——

Where is the question?

——and that a great deal of employment would follow? Would the Minister not use his good offices with Bord na Móna to see that this is done?

The general policy of Bord na Móna is that they should make use of every bog in the country where the processing can be economic in relation to the production of turf. They have examined these bogs and have found that they are not suitable, having regard to the known processes of extraction and marketing of turf. That is the practice in a number of other bogs in various counties. They are doing their utmost to develop all bogs that can be economically processed.

Is the Minister not aware that the people in the locality who had got employment there are victimised by this action? In the circumstances, would the Minister not ask Bord na Móna, in the light of the Government's plea to buy Irish, be Irish, to go ahead and develop these bogs? It can be done.

They are doing everything they can to develop bogs that can be developed economically.

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