asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state in respect of the Gowlane bog, County Sligo, (1) the area acquired by Bord na Móna, (2) the area required by the Land Commission, (3) the extent of bog which it is estimated would be required to enable the electricity generating station to operate there, and (4) the date on which the joint technical committee was set up to examine the turf supply position in connection with the proposed electricity generating station there, and if he will make the report of the committee available to the Dáil.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Board na Móna and Sligo Bogs.
I am informed by Bord na Móna that they have not acquired any area of bog at Gowlane and that the area which would be required to support an electricity generating station is estimated at 3,000 acres.
The joint technical committee to which the question refers was set up in September, 1951, and is composed of technical officers of Bord na Móna and the E.S.B. Its function is to consider technical questions arising out of the combined activities of the two boards. The proceedings of the committee are informal and a report, such as that sought by the Deputy, is not available.
With regard to the area of bog required by the Land Commission at Gowlane, I understand that the Deputy has addressed a question on this matter to the Minister for Lands.