asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the great demand for the machine and hand-won turf of the Caherciveen and Portmagee bogs; and, if so, whether he will consider arranging for the allocation of extra turf-cutting machines in these areas which will provide employment for a large number of unemployed local men.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Turf.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the large tracts of turbary at Kilmakerin, Aghatubrid and at Garrydine, Kells, County Kerry, which are suitable for turf-cutting machines; and, if so, whether he will arrange for the allocation of machines to these areas where they will provide much needed local employment.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there is available in the townlands of Ballua, Emlaghnamuck and Emlaghmore, a large tract of turbary suitable for the winning of turf by machine; that these bogs adjoin the main road between Caherciveen and Ballinskelligs which is steamrolled and suitable for heavy haulage; that the Ballinskelligs division has a very large number of unemployed and, whether, in these circumstances, he will take steps to have the necessary survey carried out at an early date with a view to using these bogs.
With your permission, a Chinn Chomhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 56, 57 and 58 together.
The matter of developing bogs for the mechanised production of turf in the areas mentioned by the Deputy has been fully considered by Bord na Móna. The desirability of providing employment in the locality was borne in mind by the board, but it was decided that any increased production would be quite uneconomic owing to the remoteness of the areas from a potential market of any consequence.
I am informed that Bord na Móna proposes to operate eight semi-automatic machines on Portmagee and Caher bogs during the 1949 season. The estimated output from these machines would be 7,000 to 8,000 tons, and it is considered that this is the maximum that could be disposed of from this area.