asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the grants available for private bog development having regard to the importance of turf as an alternative energy source to imported fuels.
Written Answers. - Private Bog Development.
639.
Grant assistance for the development of privately owned bogs, for the production of turf for fuel, is available from Bord na Móna through funds being provided from the Vote for my Department. Owners (or lessees) of bogs, or holders of turbary rights, may apply to the board for grant assistance towards the cost of access roads, bog drainage, including outfall drainage, and the purchase, lease or hire of turf development equipment to be used for or in connection with the bog development.
The scheme provides for a grant of up to 60 per cent in the case of development by a qualified society or a qualified group. A qualified society means a society which is registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1893, while a qualified group means an informal and unregistered group of not fewer than three persons who have entered into an agreement to carry out a bog development. In any other case, the amount of the grant will not exceed 45 per cent. Contractors may be given the same level of grants but only in respect of machinery designed or intended by its manufacturer to be used exclusively or principally for the extraction of turf for fuel.