asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is a large number of registered unemployed persons residing in the areas of Dooleeg, Fheenagh, Belderrig and Rathmorgan, North Mayo, and that any reduction in the turf-production programme in these areas would seriously affect their prospects of employment; and, if so, whether he will request Bord na Móna to maintain last year's production effort.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Production in North Mayo.
I am informed that Bord na Móna propose to maintain the turf-production programme in North Mayo on all bogs worked in 1951 with the exception of Dooleeg. This bog forms part of the Oweninny area which has recently been acquired and is now in process of development by the board for the large-scale production of milled peat. Employment on this scheme will be available to all local labour in the Dooleeg district.
The board has never engaged in turf production at Belderrig.
Is the Minister aware that some of the workers who are normally employed in Dooleeg will now have to travel a long distance and would he look into the matter of providing employment locally for them or providing transport?
There will be more employment in Dooleeg than ever before. The whole bog is being developed for power purposes.