Vol. 322 No. 11
asked the Minister for Energy if he will make a statement outlining (a) details of the proposed scheme for the encouragement of private development of bogland, (b) the type of financial incentives that will be provided in this area and (c) to whom the scheme will apply.
202.
asked the Minister for Energy the type of grants or other financial payments that will be made available for the cutting of turf, the drainage of bogland, the development of access roads to bogs and the provision of machinery; if provision will also be made to ensure that the advice and technical know-how essential for the operation of such schemes is available; if the schemes will be introduced in 1980; and, if so, by whom they will be administered.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 202 together.
While Bord na Móna have vested in them powers in relation to bogs for their turf development and production programme. I feel the present energy situation requires that I look further to see what is necessary and appropriate to assist private bog development whether by persons for their own private use or for commercial turf supply and to ensure that full and optimum use is made of these valuable natural resources.
In this connection I am particularly anxious to see how best survey, drainage, access roads, machinery and technical problems and possible land title and commonage difficulties can be dealt with as well as determining the agency which should be given the responsibility for administering the programme. I am consulting with various interests on this. Because of its very specific role in relation to the development of our bog areas I could see Bord na Móna having a special role in providing technical advice on the many problems that can arise for the private bog developers. There are other organisations such as the sugar company which might also have a significant contribution to make in this area.
There are a number of existing incentives to encourage private development of bogs. The Central Development Committee give grants of up to 60 per cent towards the cost of turf cutting machinery for private bog development in Western areas. There are also a number of schemes such as the local improvements scheme which, although not primarily intended for this purpose, have provided assistance for the improvement of access roads to bogs. My intention is to see what further measures are required.
While it is obvious that the drawing up of a programme of this nature will take time it is my intention to put forward definite proposals at the earliest possible date.
