asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the total acreage of bogland on the estate of the Earl of Rosse, Birr, County Offaly; whether he has received repeated applications for the acquisition and division of such bogs from town tenants in Birr and other areas adjoining the bogs mentioned, and what action, if any, he has taken or proposes taking for the purpose of providing those concerned with reasonable turbary rights.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turbary in Offaly.
The estate of the Earl of Rosse contains about 3,400 acres of bogland and some few applications have been received within recent years from persons adjoining the bogs who state they required turbary. The Land Commission have no proceedings pending at present for the acquisition of any of these boglands. It is a district in which the tenants so far appear to have adequate supplies.
If the Minister is satisfied, I ask him to have inquiries made to see whether a large number of persons in the town of Birr, and adjoining it have made application for turbary on bogs on this estate, and if any action has been taken to discover if any attempt was made to meet their wishes and reasonable requirements in this important matter.
If the Deputy is referring to tenants of the Land Commission my information is that the matter has already been under consideration, and it is not considered that supplies are lacking. If the Deputy is referring to the local needs of other people that is a somewhat different matter.
Is the Minister satisfied that tenants on the estate and those adjoining the bogs can treble the output of turf under existing circumstances as far as this estate is concerned?
No. I would not give the Deputy an undertaking of that kind. I am only referring to normal supplies.