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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 May 1989

Vol. 390 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna.

9.

asked the Minister for Energy the progress which has been made in the development of 8,600 hectares of additional bogland by Bord na Móna at 11 locations, which has been promised in the Programme for National Recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have been informed by Bord na Móna that development work is currently underway at ten out of the 11 locations included in the development programme. The board have also indicated that they expect to complete the development of at least 8,600 hectares by 1991 as provided for in the Programme for National Recovery.

Will the Minister indicate what the job prospects are for the project?

The board have assured me that they are in step with the employment projections in regard to the Valoren projects. My recollection is that the project was to create or safeguard in the region of 500 jobs. The Deputy will be aware that there has been a certain amount of rationalisation and that there have been job losses. Between the two it was estimated that about 500 jobs would be created or safeguarded.

How is the project proceeding?

It is on target at this stage.

Bord na Móna have advised the Minister that they are on target in developing 8,600 hectares in ten of the 11 locations and that the job creation prospects are on target, but I should like to know how many additional acres are in use and the number of jobs that have been created since the project commenced. Rather than talking about projections, I should like to know where we are in regard to the plan.

That question relates to rather specific information which I will be very glad to give to the Deputy in due course.

Is it the case that because the Minister does not have that information today he does not know what the current state is?

The Deputy's question related to what is happening in each particular area and the number of jobs involved. I would have to get a breakdown between those jobs which were vulnerable at the time the scheme was introduced, and which have since been maintained, and those jobs which have actually been created as a result of the scheme. I do not have that specific information but I am prepared to give it to the Deputy in due course.

Question No. 10.

The Minister——

Order, please. Let us have another question. I have given the Deputy quite some latitude.

My question will only take a moment.

Very good, Deputy.

I want to draw the Minister's attention to the question which asked the progress and where we are at——

I think the Deputy has made his point quite effectively.

I have indicated that progress is being made in ten out of 11 locations and 8,600 are being developed——

Are being developed?

That is progress.

What are the locations——

(Interruptions.)

Let us have another question, please.

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