(Limerick West) asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will give details of his recently publicised scheme to increase the production of vegetables by the use of large tracts of land now held by Bord na Móna; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Use of Cut-Away Bog.
57.
Over a number of years An Foras Talúntais have carried out experiments in vegetable growing on Bord na Móna cut-away bog and results have been promising, particularly in relation to milled peat bogs.
Recently, some commercial concerns have expressed interest in examining the feasibility of developing commercial production of vegetables on the cut-away bogs. Discussions are still at a very early stage but I consider any development aimed at expanding the growing of vegetable here in order to substitute for imports or to establish an export trade to be worthy of every encouragement.