asked the Minister for Agriculture if he proposes to have more land purchased in west Donegal in view of the shortage of turbary plots there.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - West Donegal Turbary Plots.
12.
The Land Commission have no proposals for the purchase of further bog land in west Donegal. The commission hope, however, to prepare, later this year, a scheme for the allotment of about 100 additional bog plots from land already in their possession.
Does the Minister hope to allot these plots before the summer?
It is likely to be done this year or early next year.
Would the Minister accept that, in view of the increase in the price of fuel over the last number of years, and particularly last week, many people in west Donegal do not have turbary plots and therefore it is of extreme urgency, in view of the fact that the Minister does not propose to acquire any further land, that these plots are allocated in the very near future so that these people can cut turf during the forthcoming season?
As I say, the plans will be prepared later this year and early next year so that the plots will be distributed very quickly.
I would like some kind of answer——
A final supplementary.
I do not intend to come down here to waste my time. I come down from Donegal to work on behalf of the people there. I am asking the Minister to direct this Department to allocate these in the very near future before the summer season, otherwise it will be of no advantage.
The plans are being prepared and the land will be divided as quickly as possible.
If at the end of the day we can save some turf——
I had allowed the Deputy a final supplementary.
What estate is the Minister speaking of?
I speak of the O'Donnell and Mount Charles estates in Dungloe.