asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the amount of funds allocated this year for (a) bog road repairs, (b) bog drainage and (c) turf cutting equipment.
Written Answers. - Funds For Bog Development.
361.
Mr. Leonard
One million pounds has been allocated this year by my Department in respect of the Private Bog Development Scheme administered by Bord na Móna.
Specific allocations are not made in respect of the individual categories named in the question but such costs incurred by owners (or lessees) of bogs or holders of turbary rights are regarded as bog development and are eligible for assistance under the scheme. In the period from 1 January 1983 to 29 June 1983 the total amount of grant aid approved was £621,000 of which £104,669 was for roads, mainly new roads, was for roads £193,419 for drainage and £322,912 for machinery.
Special financial assistance has also been provided by my Department for many years for the improvement and maintenance of bog roads serving the four small turf-burning electricity generating stations located at Gweedore, Screebe, Miltown Malbay and Cahirciveen. The total allocation for this year is £15,000.