Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
420. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to ensure that a wool scouring machine is available to wool producers in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7882/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware there is currently no facility of any significant scale scouring of wool in Ireland . The last scouring plant of significant scale closed in Dublin in the early 1980s due to environmental concerns.
An independent Wool Report was published in July last year.
One of its recommendations is that further studies be conducted to consider the viability of developing a long-term roadmap towards on-island scouring and processing capability. These studies would include additional research into modern methods of scouring which may be suited to an Irish wool context and within the constraints of the 2030 environmental targets.
It is envisaged these further studies will be conducted by the soon-to-be established Irish Wool Council which will be an independent industry led body with a mandate to promote develop and promote Irish wool in order to advance the opportunities for wool both domestically and internationally. Ultimately, of course, the establishment of any such facility will be a matter for commercial examinations and subject to normal commercial and environmental considerations.
