asked the Minister for Energy the plans he has for the future development of Bord na Móona.
Written Answers. - Bord na Móna.
40.
It is my wish that Bord na Móna should continue developing in the most effective way its core business of bog development, peat production and related business. In this respect I have been successful in securing significant EC assistance. The Programme for National Recovery published last month envisages the development over five years of more than 8,600 hectares of additional bogland at eleven locations at a cost of £22 million.
As part of my overall plans for the board I intend having a study carried out of the board's entire operations with a view to maximising efficiency and identifying new products and services which can be delivered on a profitable basis.
The Deputy will be aware of the recent decision taken by the Government in relation to the development of Bord na Móna's cutaway bogs for forestry purposes. I am mindful of the desirability of ensuring continuation of employment in areas where bogs are becoming exhausted, but I would point out that there are 20 years or more of solid development work yet to be done by Bord na Móna.