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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Apr 1978

Vol. 305 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Littleton (Tipperary) Bog Development.

6.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will state in respect of the development being embarked upon by Bord na Móna at Littleton Bog, County Tipperary (a) its nature and duration, (b) when work will commence, (c) the projected employment content over the course of the programme, (d) the total capital employed, and (e) the source of this capital.

7.

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will furnish details of the Bord na Móna programme for the development of Littleton Bog, Thurles, County Tipperary.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

The replies to the Deputies' queries are as follows: (a) Bord na Móna are developing bog in this area to produce milled peat for the manufacture of briquettes in a factory to be erected and in operation by 1980. The planned duration of the scheme is not less than 35 years; (b) Site development for the briquette factory commenced in late 1977 and erection of the factory proper will commence in mid-1978. Bog devlopment has been in progress since 1974; (c) The stage of full production at bog and factory is expected to be reached in 1982 when the employment content is projected to be 300; (d) The total estimated cost of the scheme is £12 million; (e) The source of this capital is expected to be the Ex-chequer.

Is the Minister aware that some months have elapsed since I tabled this question? Can he confirm that the information he has given the House is the most up-to-date information available from Bord na Móna.

I believe it is to be up-to-date. It was originally furnished by the board in January when the question was put down but I am sure that if any aspect of it had gone out of date the board would have drawn my attention to that.

I take it that the Minister has not been in touch with the board since last January?

I do not see any correspondence on the file to indicate that but there could have been telephone calls to confirm it.

Is the Minister aware that the area referred to is an underdeveloped area with high unemployment? I appeal to him to urge on Bord na Móna the importance of commencing work there as quickly as possible.

I understand that the site development work is continuing and that the actual construction of the factory building will start in a couple of months.

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