Vol. 200 No. 7
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will request Bord na Móna to make a further survey of the vast peat areas of Erris, including Ballycroy, in North Mayo, with a view to having them developed for the provision of future fuel supplies for Bellacorick power station, or for the operation of a turf briquette factory.
15.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will request the ESB to increase the output potential of electric power stations operated on native fuel, instead of erecting new stations to be operated on imported fuel; and if he will make special representations regarding the extension of the ESB station at Bellacorick, County Mayo, where large numbers of excellent workers are readily available.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
The capacity of the existing peat-fired power stations has been determined by reference to the quantities of fuel which can be made available for them. The programme for construction of peat-fired power stations provides for the absorption by about 1969-70 of the annual output of all the bogs which are at present considered economically usable for the production of electricity.
As regards the development of the peat areas of Erris, including Ballycroy, I am informed by Bord na Móna that previous surveys carried out in the peat areas mentioned indicate that they are unsuitable for economic peat production by present methods. The Board consider that no useful purpose would be served by making a further survey in present circumstances.
