Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Nov 1977

Vol. 301 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cutaway Bogs.

527.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will furnish information on the development of cutaway bogs (a) in County Kildare and (b) elsewhere as follows (i) the bog area, (ii) the original acquisition cost per acre, (iii) the total development cost up to 31st March, 1977, (iv) the income from sales of produce up to 31st March, 1977. (v) grants from EEC sources, (vi) general Exchequer grants-in-aid, (vii) grants from the Department of Agriculture for land improvement, drainage and land rehabilitation, and (viii) grants for relief of rates on land.

528.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if his attention has been drawn to a report that no less than 5,800 additional acres of sugar beet is required for the Tuam Sugar Factory, County Galway; and if, in order to improve employment prospects he will advise Bord na Móna to grow as much beet as possible on cutaway bogs next year and in the following three years, having regard to the EEC beet growing quotas due for review in 1980.

529.

Mr. Bermingham

asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the tonnage of sugar beet grown by Bord na Móna to 31st March, 1977; the acreage and location of the crops; and the sugar content.

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy (Mr. O'Malley)

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take questions Nos. 527, 528 and 529 together.

I would refer the Deputy to a reply on 25th October, 1977, to an earlier question by him regarding the use of cutaway bogs. This reply indicated that an interdepartmental committee was being set up to investigate the possible uses of Bord na Móna cutaway bogs with a view to ensuring that they are properly developed and used in the best national interests and to supervise and co-ordinate whatever technical studies are considered necessary in this connection.

In view of the investigations proposed, it is not considered that the commitment of expenditure and time which would be needed to prepare a detailed reply to the questions now asked would be justified. The Deputy's suggestions regarding the growing of sugar beet will be brought to the attention of the interdepartmental committee.