andMr. Power asked the Minister for Transport and Power if as a result of a representation on peat development concerning the area of Counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare, made to the Taoiseach in Portarlington, he has taken any action that will enable this area to maximise its production potential.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Peat Development.
26.
, Cavan): The subject dealt with at the function which the Taoiseach attended in Portarlington was “Farming in a Peatland Area”. The recommendations in the report relate to the activities of a number of Departments.
My responsibility as Minister for Transport and Power relates particularly to the activities of Bord na Móna. The role which Bord na Móna cut-away bog development might have in maximising the production potential of the area lies in the medium to long term. The board, in co-operation with other agencies such as An Foras Talúntais, have been investigating the problem associated with the development and management of cut-away bogs. The board have established some centres of pilot commercial operations on grassland, and in horticulture as a result of experimental work done to date. It would be premature to base conclusions on the work done to date and further experience must be accumulated before the optimum use of these cut-away areas can be determined.
27.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will draw the attention of Bord na Móna to the vast acreage of bog available for development in Kilcummin and east Kerry; and if he will state whether it is the board's policy to develop such areas.
(Cavan): I am informed by Bord na Móna that the bog lands in east Kerry stretching from the Derrynasaggart Mountains through Knockanefune to the Glanmuddery Mountains are at a general height of 1,000 to 2,000 feet with a few small relatively low lying areas which the board have already exploited at Lyrecrumpane, Carrigcannon and Barna. The broken nature of the remaining bog land renders it unsuitable for exploitation because of very steep gradients, rock outcrops, very variable depths, heavy rain fall and high humidity.