asked the Minister for Energy when he proposes to introduce legislation to provide finance for the development of bog roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
30.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Bog Road Development.
29.
asked the Minister for Energy whether he will introduce a worthwhile scheme to promote the development of all bogs outside the control of Bord na Móna.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
A Bill entitled the Turf Development Bill, 1980 was introduced in the House by way of the long and short titles on 17 December 1980 and the text of the Bill was circulated to Deputies on 24 January 1981. I hope to take the remaining Stages of the Bill in this session of the Dáil.
The Bill proposes that funds be made available through my Department to enable Bord na Móna to pay grants to assist private bog development. These grants will contribute to the cost of access roads, drainage and the purchase, hire or lease of turf cutting and other machinery. The Bill proposes that grants of up to 65 per cent of the cost may be approved in respect of bog development carried out by co-operatives and up to 45 per cent of the cost in other cases.
Has the Government put a limit upon the size of private bog development which will qualify for such grant?
No.
Is there a limit on the acreage of private bogs?
No.
So, that would mean that each individual could apply for a grant in respect of an access road to a very small bog?
Does the Deputy mean that the cost of the road would be disproportionate to the size of the bog?
That is right.
That would be so but of course, we will be discussing this when discussing the Bill and I shall then be able to elaborate a little more on this. Bord na Móna will have discretion in regard to the payment of these grants. There will be certain conditions, one of which will be the approval by Bord na Móna of the plan for development and what is involved. The query which the Deputy raised is one that will have to be taken into account. What I meant to convey in response to the Deputy's original question was that it was not envisaged that there will be a limit to the overall size of bog in respect of which a grant may be made. However, if there is a disproportion between the amount of grant and what would be achieved, that would be taken into account.
What amount of money would be available to the board for such grants?
In this coming year the figure will be £1 million.
Ceist a 31 has gone for a written reply.