asked the Minister for Industry and Energy his plans for the utilisation of further boglands in County Mayo and for the letting of bogplots to individuals with the view of ensuring savings to the State.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - County Mayo Boglands.
15.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that further areas of bogland in Bangor, County Mayo, are at present being developed. It is estimated that this development will produce an annual output of 20,000 tonnes of sod peat mainly for domestic use. The board acquire bogland for their own use only and not for the purpose of letting.
My Department do not hold any bog plots for letting. However, I understand that the Land Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry do hold such plots, including some in County Mayo, and that they make annual lettings of these plots to interested parties and will continue to do so.
Is the Minister aware that literally thousands of people all over the country, and not only in County Mayo, are more than willing to cut turf every summer provided they can acquire a bog plot for such purposes? Is he further aware that, not only in my county but in many counties, the Land Commission have such land plots which are not let on a regular basis? He should instruct the Department to do this.
I am aware of the position outlined by the Deputy. It arises in particular because there was a great fall-off in the number of people anxious to cut turf over the past ten years. The Land Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry acquired land for their own purposes which nobody else appeared to be interested in at the time. Now, because of the increase in the price of fuel, many people realise that they will have to go back to the old way of life and they would like to be considered for turbary rights, or plots of turf. The Land Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry help to facilitate them. Where there is a demand locally, the Land Commission and the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, as I am personally aware, make every effort to facilitate people with plots like that.
Would the Minister look into the question of areas of bog which are not sufficiently large to be taken over by Bord na Móna? Would he look into the question of seeking further funds from the EEC for the development of proper access entry points into such bogs which could then be let out as suitable bog plots to people who are willing to cut turf in small areas?
I agree with the Deputy's remarks. I have every sympathy with them, and I will convey them to the Minister.