asked the Minister for Lands if he will arrange for the carrying out of a bog and bog-road development scheme in sufficient time to encourage increased hand-won turf production.
Written Answers. - Bog Development.
541.
There has been a steady decline in demand for turf plots over recent years and this has led to a corresponding decrease in Land Commission activities in regard to acquisition, development and division of bogs. Having regard to the high costs involved in drainage and road-making, they could not be justified in undertaking a general programme of development on a speculative basis—in the hope that private turf-cutting might thus be encouraged.
However, the Deputy can be assured that when local demand for turbary is brought to their notice, the Land Commission will be prepared to allocate, on a permanent or letting basis, any bogland in their possession in that locality or, if necessary, to acquire and develop new bog, if such is available.