John Ellis
Question:22 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the projects he intends to fund from the £200,000 provided in the 1995 Estimates for private bog development grants. [2735/95]
Written Answers - Bogs and Bog Roads.
Brendan Smith
Question:25 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if he will introduce a scheme of grant assistance towards the repair of roads that provide access to bogs. [2594/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 25 together.
The private bog development grant scheme was introduced in 1981 by the Turf Development Act of that year. The scheme provided grants towards access roads, drainage and machinery for bog development. The purpose of the scheme was to stimulate the development of private peat resources. Under the scheme, applicants submitted development plans to Bord na Móna who administered the scheme on behalf of the Department. The scheme proved successful as it brought private turf production to an annual level of approximately 1.5 million tonnes from a previously low base.
The scheme was terminated in October 1987, having been deemed to have achieved its purpose and Bord na Móna has not accepted any new applications since that date. It has not been possible to terminate financial outlay as there remains work approved which has not yet been completed due to delays caused by bad weather and also a shortfall in funding in recent years. Only when work has been completed can the funds be paid to projects. I understand that approximately 50 applicants remain outstanding at this stage and these are expected to be completed in the current year.
With the termination of the scheme, funds are not available for new grants to the sector or for the introduction of a new scheme.