asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, before the decision to erect cement factories at Limerick and Drogheda was arrived at, due consideration was given to the claims of Drinagh, County Wexford, where a cement factory had been in operation for a long number of years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sites of Cement Factories.
The answer is in the affirmative. Extensive investigations in regard to the suitability of raw materials, water supplies, rail, road and river connections were carried out at many centres throughout the Saorstát during an extended period. The selection of Drogheda and Limerick as the most advantageous districts in which to establish these factories was made with due regard to all relevant considerations, including the quality of the product, cost of production and distribution of the finished product.
In view of the fact that the making of cement was an old established industry at Drinagh, that first class cement was always manufactured there and that skilled men and materials were still available, did the Minister not consider it his duty to make special representation to secure that the area was not robbed of its industry?
It is only another egg being broken to make an omelette.
Is the Minister aware that when the President met a representative deputation at Wexford immediately prior to the 1932 election he is alleged to have told them that if Fianna Fáil were returned to power one of their first acts would be to restore the cement industry at Drinagh?
That was only a statement, Deputy.