asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether Bord na Móna's change of policy with regard to Boora bog alters the housing plans of the board in the Ferbane area of Offaly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bord na Móna's Offaly Housing Plans.
Mr. O'Higgins
I am informed by Bord na Móna that consequent on the change to the production of milled peat at Boora bog it will only be necessary to proceed immediately with the erection of 100 houses at Kilcormac and 50 houses at Cloghan. The position will be reviewed later when the bog goes into full production.
Mr. O'Higgins
Is the Minister aware that some 12 months ago, in co-operation with the Offaly County Council, an elaborate housing scheme was prepared for Cloghan, Kilcormac, Ferbane and Banagher? Is the effect of the Minister's reply now that portion of that scheme will have to be abandoned?
No. The effect of my reply is that portion of the scheme is not being proceeded with immediately.
Mr. O'Higgins
Does that mean that the scheme is abandoned to that extent?
What the housing requirements in the locality will be when the bog is in full production I cannot say. It is obvious that the change to milled peat will mean that fewer people will be employed in turf production on the bog.
Mr. O'Higgins
That does appear clear, but the Minister has stated that a scheme as to 100 houses will proceed immediately. I would like to know whether that reply means that the building of the balance of the houses will not now be proceeded with?
It will not be proceeded with immediately.
Mr. O'Higgins
I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.