asked the Minister for Energy if Bord na Móna have completed the survey of bogs in west Roscommon; and if the board have any proposals for major bog development including the development of a briquette factory.

Bord na Móna have informed me that they have just completed a preliminary survey of this group of bogs and are now engaged on a technical and economic evaluation of the bogs. I understand that this will take some time. Until these essential studies have been completed it will obviously not be possible to reach a conclusion on the potential of the bogs for development. The board have no proposals to site a briquette factory in the area.