Vol. 467 No. 7
429 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to introduce a scheme of grant assistance towards the repair of roads that provide access to bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14370/96]
The private bog development grant scheme was introduced in 1981 in order to stimulate the development of private peat resources. The scheme provided grants towards access roads, drainage and machinery for bog development. Under the scheme, applicants submitted development plans to Bord na Móna who administered the scheme on behalf of the Department.
The scheme was terminated in October 1987, having been deemed to have achieved its purpose. It had not been possible to terminate financial outlay until 1995 as there remained work approved which had not been completed.
Due to tight budgetary constraints, there are at present no proposals to reintroduce such a scheme.
