(Cavan) asked the Minister for Transport and Power if Bord na Móna are prepared to operate at Altbrane bog and/or Commas bog in the Swanlinbar area of County Cavan where there is considerable unemployment and emigration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cavan Bogs.
14.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that Altbrane bog in the Swanlinbar area of County Cavan is of insufficient area for economic turf production by the Board's present methods and is not included in the Board's plans. Commas bog is an adjacent mountain bog which, owing to its high altitude and steep inclines, would not be suitable for development.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that these bogs were efficiently and profitably operated during the Emergency and would he take steps to investigate further the possibility of reopening them now in order to give employment in that area?
The fact that these bogs were worked during the Emergency does not make them a profitable business at the present time. Bord na Móna are under general instructions to exploit all the economically usable bogs. I understand that this particular bog is not economically exploitable in any sense.
(Cavan): Would the Minister suggest to Bord na Móna that they visit the area and investigate these bogs on the spot?
I think Bord na Móna have examined practically every bog in the fringe areas as well as bogs that might have the appearance of being exploitable. I am quite certain that they are aware of this bog because it was used during the Emergency. I understand that its height above sea level and its slope preclude it from being exploited.
(Cavan): That applies only to Commas bog and not to Altbrane bog, which is not at a high level.