asked the Minister for Energy if he proposes to carry out a preliminary survey on the potential of the upland bog areas in County Monaghan to prepare the ground for development of the bogs as proposed in the recently published EEC study of the Border areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Bogs Survey.
9.
All potential upland bog in this area has already been identified from the peatlands map of Ireland published in 1981 in connection with surveys carried out by An Foras Talúntais. This shows that the only bogland which could be developed lies 500 feet above sea level in the Slieve Beagh Mountains between Monaghan and Fermanagh. Unfavourable factors such as poor drying conditions due to mountain mists and terrain on which it is difficult to operate large scale machinery render the area unsuitable for peat production by Bord na Móna on a commercial scale.
Bord na Móna carry out surveys on a paid basis for private interests on smaller bogs which are more suitable for private development. The board have received two applications for assistance under the private bog development scheme towards the development of bogs in the Monaghan area. Any possibility of Community funds being made available for these purposes will be vigorously pursued.
Is the Minister aware that on a recent visit Bord na Móna were favourably impressed by the quality of those bogs? Would he not agree that with the high cost of fuel, the need to reduce our external balance of payments and the urgent need to create jobs in that depressed area, not sufficient emphasis is being placed on the development of our resources where there are thousands of acres of bog?
I have stated in my reply the results of the survey carried out by An Foras Talúntais. If the Deputy is aware that Bord na Móna have either expressed an opinion or made a decision in relation to the quality and suitability of the bogs referred to in the Slieve Beagh Mountains, then I shall certainly investigate that matter. Obviously, there are factors which must be taken into account in relation to the development of large scale bog development by Bord na Móna. I can assure the Deputy that there are other parts of the country where we would like to see more bog development taking place.
We are not interested in Bord na Móna development in that area at all. There are sufficient entrepreneurs who would develop it if we got sufficient finance to create the proper road structure to the bogs. There again, these mountains are tourist areas and there would be a twofold benefit to that area. I ask the Minister to provide the money for the road structures and the local people will develop it themselves.
I can assure the Deputy that given the limited financial resources available at any given time the Government will spend as much money as possible in providing adequate infrastructure for any development to take place.