asked the Minister for Energy the plans for turf development in the Rathowen area of County Westmeath.
Written Answers. - Westmeath Turf Development.
250.
I have been informed by Bord na Móna that they are embarking on the development of about 4,000 acres of bogland in the Rathowen area of County Westmeath for the production of moss peat alone. The bogs in question are known locally as Mostrim, Clonwhelan, Glenlough, Bardanstown and Clynan and straddle the Longford-Westmeath border. Notice of the board's intention to acquire 1,817 acres of the Mostrim and Clonwhelan bogs was published on 12 December 1980 in the three Dublin daily newspapers and the Longford Leader and on 3 January 1981 in the Westmeath Examiner. Notice of the board's intention to acquire about 2,200 acres of the Glenlough, Bardans-town and Clynan bogs will be published at an early date.