asked the Minister for Lands if he can state the approximate area of bog on the lands of the Land Commission in (a) Laoighis, (b) Offaly, suitably situated for exploitation in coming season as a substitute emergency fuel for coal for use in the larger towns in these counties; also, if he will state what steps, if any, have been taken to deal with bogs where turf can be produced in quantity.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turbary in Laoighis-Offaly.
The approximate area of bog in the hands of the Land Commission in Laoighis is 340 acres and in Offaly is 2,020 acres. The greater part of these areas comprises bogs of very inferior quality for which there is no demand and which it is considered would not warrant heavy expenditure on development.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, power has been given to local authorities to acquire and let or work turf banks and the Land Commission will be glad to facilitate these authorities in every possible manner should they desire to exploit any bogs on Land Commission hands.