asked the Minister for Transport and Power when it is proposed to proceed with the Shannonbridge generating plant extension.
7.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Garryduff (Galway) Bog Operations.
6.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what provisions are being made to maintain employment in the Blackwater bog group, should the Garryduff bog, East Galway close for the supply of milled peat to the Shannonbridge power station.
8.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what will happen to the newly completed narrow gauge railway and £100,000 bridge linking Garyduff bog with the Shannonbridge power station should the Garryduff development cease.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 7 and 8 together.
There is no proposal to terminate operations on the Garryduff bogs. A decision as to the best use to be made of the produce of these bogs will be taken on receipt of the report of the Consultants appointed to investigate the turf production programme.
A briquette factory at Shannonbridge is a possible alternative to an extension of the generating station. In either case, the railway and bridge across the Shannon will be required.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is true that there is a proposed lay-off of a considerable number of men on that bog?
This is not true.
The Parliamentary Secretary would say, therefore, that there will be a continuance of this work and that these people need not fear a lay-off within the next twelve months?
I can certainly say that. Yesterday, I received a deputation from that part of the country.
The Parliamentary Secretary is optimistic about the prospects?
Yes.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the definite statement made by the Minister was conveniently left out of last year's report? It was not mentioned as continuing. Is the Parliamentary Secretary further aware that, in fact, it is proposed to erect a generating station and to proceed with the work as was originally admitted——
I am not specifically saying that. What I did say was the decision as to the best use to be made of the produce of the bog would be taken on receipt of the report of the consultants.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that if the generating station is not being erected there will be a considerable lay-off of men?
It is obvious that the Deputy was not listening to my reply. I did say in my reply that a briquette factory at Shannonbridge is a possible alternative.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not know how long it will take to build a briquette factory?
I know how long it took from Coalition to Fianna Fáil to build the first power station.
The present Government have done nothing but make promises to build them, but these promises never materialise.