asked the Minister for Lands if his attention has been drawn to a report that Screeb power house, County Galway was in danger of closing down owing to a lack of turf supply; and, if so, if he has any plans for the development of further turbary rights including new roads for the people of this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Generating Station.
23.
I have seen the newspaper report referred to. In South West Connemara generally, during the past few years, the Land Commission have been endeavouring to the utmost extent practicable to meet the heavy local demand for turbary and a substantial number of bogs totalling upwards of 1,500 acres within reach of Screeb have been developed and allotted. At present the Land Commission have on hands a 318 acre bog near Maam Cross and proposals for development will be formulated as soon as possible. In addition the Land Commission have reached agreement with twelve landowners for the purchase of their respective shares in a bog at Shannapheasteen, in the Screeb district, and on completion of the purchase proceedings an area of some 200 acres of turbary will be available for development and allotment.
Who is going to cut the turf? They have all gone to England.