Vol. 473 No. 4
499 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will respond to claims that European funding was misused in the treatment of Clonfinane bog in County Tipperary with funding being used to facilitate removal of peat from the bog which was designated for conservation. [1584/97]
Under the Leader I programme, one of the approved groups grant aided the purchase of peat handling equipment and road making material by a local developer. In accordance with the conditions of the programme as set out by my Department, the group consulted the Office of Public Works on the application for aid. My information is that the grant was paid by the Leader group on the understanding that the equipment would be used in bogs leased by the developer and that the developer was in on-going consultation with the Office of Public Works in relation to any activities in areas of scientific interest as designated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service including Clonfinane bog.
I am satisfied that the Leader group acted in accordance with the conditions of the programme in bringing the matter to the attention of the Office of Public Works.
