asked the Minister for Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that many bogs, in particular the smaller bogs, are not being used for turf production and are part of farmers' holdings, he will seek to have the scheme for the improvement of farm access roads under the western farm package enlarged and extended to include the repair and improvement of access roads to such bogs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Bogs Access Roads.
15.
There is no provision in the Programme for Western Development (Western Package) for improvement of bog roads and it is not considered appropriate at this stage that alterations should be made in the scope of the programme. A grant scheme for the development of privately owned bogs was brought into effect by the Turf Development Act, 1981. This scheme is administered by Bord na Móna and includes grant aid for access roads to bogs.
How many such roads have been improved or grant-aided under the Turf Development Act which the Minister has referred to?
It is not under my Department.
I put to the Minister——
A question.
Does the Minister realise that this programme which he referred to is not being operated and is not workable and that the question asked by Deputy Blaney is very relevant? Would the Minister consider making funds available to develop the type of roads referred to by the Deputy and to provide the facility for farmers who own bogs without proper road access?
Is the Deputy referring to a scheme under the Department of Industry and Energy? If he is I have no function in it.
No. I have pointed out to the Minister that that is not working. Does the Minister realise that and would he consider making moneys available through his own Department to provide roadways to this type of bog?
I said in my reply that it is not considered appropriate at this stage that alterations should be made in the scope of the programme.