asked the Minister for Industry and Energy if he will give details of the various grants and incentives now available for the private development of bogs; the people who would qualify for these grants; and how individuals or groups can apply for such grants.
Written Answers. - Private Bog Development.
696.
A scheme of grant assistance to encourage the development of privately owned bogs was brought into effect in June 1981 by the Turf Development Act, 1981. The scheme is being administered by Bord na Móna. Applications for grant assistance will be considered from owners (or lessees) of bogs, or holders of turbary rights, 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 develop a bog for the production of turf or turf products for fuel. In any other case, the amount of the grant will not exceed 45 per cent. Contractors, as distinct from owners or lessees of bogs or holders of turbary rights, 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. Grant application forms are available from Bord na Móna and, when completed, should be returned directly to the head office of Bord na Móna, 76, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.