asked the Minister for Energy if Bord na Móna have any plans to acquire boglands compulsorily at Gurteen, Derry and Eddery on the Westmeath-Longford border, where approximately 60 tenants are still claiming turbary rights.
Written Answers. - Bogland Acquisition.
274.
I have obtained information from Bord na Móna in regard to bogland encompassed within the townlands of Gorteenclareen, Derrynabuntale, Derrynagalliagh, Derrymacar, Derrycolumb and Edera. Although there are inconsistencies with regard to the place names I am assuming that these are the areas which the Deputy has in mind.
I have been informed by the board that, last November, they made an order under the Turf Development Act, 1946, for the compulsory acquisition of about 750 acres in the aforementioned townlands and in the townlands of Ledwithstown, Drumnee and Ardoghil. These lands are located in County Longford about one mile from the border with Westmeath. Bord na Móna are negotiating on the price to be paid for the boglands being acquired. The board state that there is no further bogland suitable for their purposes in the townlands mentioned.
The board state that there are some 71 holders of turbary rights on the boglands being acquired. I have been assured by the board that it is their policy to make every effort to provide alternative and adequate turbary to holders of turbary rights on boglands acquired by the board and this will be their policy in the present instance.