asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state why Laoighis County Manager refused to renew the vesting of the Derrykearn bog situated near Abbeyleix; whether he is aware that the 25 families concerned paid £2 14s. 0d. per perch for turf for many years and will now be compelled to look for essential turf supplies of an inferior quality at a much greater distance from their homes, and if he will request the county manager to meet the reasonable wishes of the large number of families concerned for the present season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vesting of Laoighis Bog.
I have been informed that the county manager refused to renew the vesting order in question on the grounds that the turbary now left in the bog is sufficient only for the requirements of the trustees and of the original tenants who worked there prior to the emergency.
I am not aware of the price paid for lettings of turbary in cases where the bog is not vested in a county council. I am also informed that alternative turbary is available in three other places varying in distance from between one and a quarter miles to three and a half miles from Abbeyleix.
Having regard to the rights of the trustees and the pre-emergency tenants, it would not be proper that I should issue a request to the county manager on this matter. I would, however, be glad if an arrangement mutually satisfactory to all parties were arrived at for the rest of the present season, and I will convey these views to the county manager.