Vol. 397 No. 6
53 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Energy if he has any plans to ask Bord na Móna and the ESB to promote and sponsor a joint study of the future of the midlands in view of the present dependence of that region on the activities of those companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Deputy will be aware that responsibility for regional development rests with the appropriate development agencies and that I have no direct statutory function in this regard.
I do, however, share the Deputy's concern for the future of the midlands. I consider that the present restructuring of Bord na Móna will ensure the existence of a viable peat industry in the midlands for many years to come.
Furthermore, I am confident that the development of cutaway bogs for forestry, agricultural/horticultural and amenity purposes will provide for replacement employment as peat production in individual bogs approaches exhaustion. I have recently set up an independent committee of experts to recommend measures which will ensure that Bord na Móna cutaway bogs are put to the best available use.
