Turf Production
Taylor asked for 1985 turf production and the 1986 forecast. Spring reported Bord na Móna output of 1.8 million tonnes and estimated private production of 1.25 million tonnes in 1985; 1986 estimates were 5.4 million tonnes for Bord na Móna and 1.4 million tonnes privately. Wet weather severely reduced Bord na Móna’s 1985 output against its targets.
asked the Minister for Energy the total turf production in 1985; the total forecast for 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Bord na Móna produced 1.8 million tonnes of peat in 1985 of which 1.5 million tonnes was milled peat and the balance sod peat. It is estimated that private producers harvested about 1.25 million tonnes. The Bord na Móna targets for 1986 are 5.017 million tonnes of milled peat and .383 million tonnes of sod peat. Private production in 1986 is estimated at 1.4 million tonnes.
The unusually wet summer made 1985 a very unsuitable year for turf production. Bord na Móna achieved only 30 per cent of their milled peat target and about 75 per cent of the sod peat target. Because of their long-term policy to maintain high stocks, Bord na Móna have, however, been able to maintain deliveries to ESB at nearly 90 per cent of normal levels. Briquette production has also been close to target, although substantially increased demand for briquettes during the summer, arising from the bad weather, has resulted in an allocation policy for briquettes at present. Avail— ability of sod peat for sale to the public by Bord na Móna is also restricted.
The loss of production in 1985 valued at over £50 million obviously has implications for Bord na Móna and, given reasonable weather in 1986 and future years, a special effort will have to be made by the board and its staff to redress this loss.