asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will make funds available as a matter of urgency for the improvement of bog roads.
Written Answers. - Bog Roads Improvements.
310.
Funds are already being made available through the Vote for my Department to provide grant assistance towards the costs of access roads to bogs. The grants are available under a scheme which was introduced under the Turf Development Act, 1981, and which is administered by Bord na Móna.
Under the scheme persons who wish to develop a bog for the production of turf or turf products for fuel may apply to Bord na Móna for a development grant towards the cost of access roads to the bog, as well as the costs of bog drainage and the purchase, lease or hire of turf development equipment. In general, each application must be accompanied by a bog development plan. The amount of the grant may be up to 60 per cent of the cost of the bog development where the applicant is a qualified group or a qualified society, as defined in the Act, and up to 45 per cent in any other case.
Question No. 311 postponed.