asked the Minister for Tourism, Fisheries and Forestry if he has completed his inquiries in relation to representations Deputy Cowen has made on behalf of persons (details supplied) in County Offaly who are seeking to gain possession for a fixed period of part of a bog at Lisaniskea, Clara, County Offaly, for the purpose of exploiting the moss peat resource there.
Written Answers. - Lisaniskea (Offaly) Bog.
110.
Mr. Cowen
The bog in question has been designated by my Department for conservation purposes because of its scientifically important species of wild flora. Exploitation of the bog would be contrary to its conservation and, consequently, my Department is not prepared to lease it or dispose of it for commercial purposes.