asked the Minister for Energy if he will be seeking an EC grant for the building of a peat briquette factory at Derryfadda, Ballyforan, Ballinasloe, County Galway, to supplement the IDA grant already sanctioned for this project.
Written Answers. - Ballyforan (Galway) Briquette Factory.
500.
The question of an EC grant for the building of a briquette factory at Ballyforan does not arise at this time. The project has been deferred and will be reconsidered by the board of Bord na Móna next May. At that time, the question of grants, either national or EC, which might then be available, will be fully considered.
501.
asked the Minister for Energy the results of his investigation into the continued employment of workers at the Bord na Móna works at Derryfadda, Ballyforan, County Galway.
502.
asked the Minister for Energy when he intends to review the situation regarding the building of the Ballyforan peat briquette factory, County Galway.
I am taking Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.
The Ballyforan project has been deferred by Bord na Móna and will be reconsidered by the them next May in the light of the market situation at that time. Meanwhile, I have asked the board to keep me informed of the state of the peat market in the intervening heating season. The deferral of the project has, inevitably, affected employment levels in Derryfadda and there have been redundancies. Bord na Móna have made every effort to minimise the job losses and wherever possible have relocated workers at their other works in the area.