asked the Minister for Energy if, in view of his statement in the Dáil on 13 June 1980, he will ensure that the turf banks at Ballysaggart, Lismore, County Waterford will be retained as a source of energy as they are the only local fuel source available.
Written Answers. - Bog Development.
204.
The only procedures associated with my Department for the taking of bog or turf deposits into public ownership and control are those conferred by statute on Bord na Móna. I understand that Bord na Móna consider the turf deposits in question, for a number of reasons, unsuited to the development and production methods normally practised by the board.
As I have already announced, I have asked the board to consider possible arrangements which could result in the bringing into production of turf deposits which would not be regarded as suitable for development under the traditional criteria for Bord na Móna operations. I am also examining the possibility of a scheme to co-ordinate and promote bog development by private interests. I could not, at this stage, indicate a view on the possibility that any particular area might benefit from either of these schemes.
205.
asked the Minister for Energy whether any grants are available for the improvement of access roads into bogs; and, if so, whether the sanctioning of such grants is dependent on the consent of all the owners adjoining the roads in question.
The provision of and the improvement of roads, including bog roads, is mainly the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment who, under the local improvements scheme, makes funds available for improvement of bog roads.
Roinn na Gaeltachta also give grants for the improvement of minor access roads and bog roads in the Gaeltacht area.
Special financial assistance has been provided by my Department for many years for the improvement and maintenance of bog roads serving the four small turf-burning electricity generating stations located at Gweedore, Screebe, Miltown Malbay and Cahirciveen.
I understand that for any work proposed under the schemes mentioned, the consent of the landowners concerned is required before the work can be carried out.
I am, however, looking at the whole question of development of bogs in private ownership to see what is necessary and appropriate to assist private developers and to ensure that full and optimum use is made of these valuable natural resources. One of the aspects I will be examining is that of access roads to the bogs.