asked the Minister for Lands if he will consider introducing a scheme to make grants available for the development of bogs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bog Development Grants.
13.
(Cavan): The Land Commission are involved in bog development only in so far as they acquire and divide turbary as part of their land settlement programme. Where there is local demand they will develop and allocate bog in their possession in the area or if necessary, acquire and develop new bog if such is available. I may say that the Land Commission are prepared to consider applications from properly constituted groups for the allocation of bog to them and the provision of grants towards its development by the group itself— subject to the overall supervision of the Land Commission. This would, of course, apply only to property in the possession of the Land Commission.
Would the Minister indicate whether there was any increase in applications for accommodation in respect of that scheme this year?
(Cavan): Without being very definite, I would say the increase was negligible. There was no appreciable increase. I am not saying that from the record; I am saying it from memory.
Would the Minister state if these grants would include contributions towards the cost of maintenance of roads?
(Cavan): I would say so, yes.
The Minister is not sure of that?
(Cavan): I take it that they would.
The Minister takes it or he is sure—which?
Deputy Callanan.
I want to get this answered.
(Cavan): I never said and I am not saying now that the Department of Lands or the Land Commission provide grants for the making of bog roads but I am saying that if we allocate bogs, of course, we provide access to them.
You maintain that access?
(Cavan): We do.
You never do. That is the point I am making.
(Cavan): We provide the access to the bog as we provide access to all land that we allocate.
You leave it to sink.
(Cavan): No. We leave it to the owners or the county council.
Would the Minister elaborate on the extent to which development is done?
(Cavan): I imagine a certain amount of drainage would be necessary and access would be necessary.
The Land Commission would maintain the roads?
(Cavan): No. The Land Commission never accept ongoing or indefinite responsibility for roads. The Land Commission, as the Deputy knows, is not a road authority. If they divide farms and if it is necessary to construct roads, they construct the roads and they hand over the farm then to the allottee and he is responsible for the roads or if he can persuade the county council to assist him, well and good.
Would the Minister not consider it his responsibility to make arrangements with the local authorities for them to take over these roads that they make and not leave the onus on the individuals concerned?
We are having an extension of the question.
(Cavan): With all due respect to the Deputy, that is the business of the local authority.
It is not.
Question No. 14.