Some precursors of Bord Na Mona

Abstract

In 1740 William King wrote ?We live in an island almost infamous of bogs, and yet, I do not remember, that anyone has attempted much concerning them; I believe it may be of use to consider their origin; their conveniencies and inconveniencies; and how they may be remedy'd or made useful.? More than 100 years afterwards, J. McCarty Meadows wrote ?The fact that we are without coal upon a nationally useful scale and that in its place we have such vast supplies of peat in this country, should stimulate us to the conviction that, in the allotted order of things, the duty assigned to us is that of turning to account the supplies of native fuel so abundantly provided for our use.? Between, before and after King and Meadows many men characterised by abundance of public spirit contributed thought, effort and enthusiasm to the solving of the problem of Ireland's deserts. Their endeavours were dissipated in the unpropitious social, economic and political climate of their times. It is by way of homage to these men that this communication is offered to your Society from those who, living in more enlightened times, have the privilege of beginning the task of turning to profitable use some of the country's waste lands.