asked the Minister for Energy if he is aware that Board na Móna make arrangements for customers to collect turf at some of their bogs and without warning or compensation to those who hire vehicles to take away the turf, send them away empty after several hours waiting, and if he considers that such customers are entitled to be compensated for the resultant loss.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Collection at Bogs.
12.
I have been informed by Bord na Móna that they sell machine turf on ex-works terms. This means that the purchaser provides a vehicle to be loaded at the works. Loading is liable to interruption by plant breakdown, or other unforeseen circumstances such as wagon derailment on the bogs. I am assured by the Board that such interruptions are very infrequent.
For some time past, because of the high level of demand for machine turf and a limitation of supplies caused by bad weather in the 1979 production season, the board have found it necessary to regulate loading operations at their works. This is done by confining purchasers to a specific date or dates on which they can be supplied. The board feel that without such an arrangement it would be impossible to cope with the number of vehicles which would arrive at the same time in the works yard.
Notwithstanding this arrangement loading may be interrupted by unforeseen occurrences of the kind mentioned. I understand from the board that a reservation to this effect is printed on the cards notifying customers that they may collect their order for turf. I am further assured by the board that if a supply depot has prior knowledge that loading cannot proceed, every effort is made to so inform customers before they have sent their vehicle to collect.
In the circumstances I am satisfied that the board are doing everything reasonable to facilitate customers. However, if the Deputy has any particular case in mind I will look into the matter if he gives me the details.