asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if steps have been taken to develop the ochre deposits in the Avoca area in County Wicklow.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Wicklow Ochre Deposits.
I presume the Deputy means to inquire whether steps have been taken by the Government to develop these deposits. The ochre deposits in the Avoca area are in private ownership, and their development is a matter primarily for private enterprise. Some years ago (1928-29) Government assistance towards that end was given by way of a guarantee for a loan of £4,000 under the Trade Loans (Guarantee) Acts. The operations of the company concerned were not successful, and operations ceased after 11 months.
Is it not true that the failure of the company to operate successfully was due to the action of an international ochre ring which prevented consumers in Great Britain from accepting Wicklow ochre? In view of the new supply situation existing now, might it not be possible to circumvent the ochre ring and secure a market in Great Britain for this product?
It is true that the failure of the company in 1929 was due to their inability to find a market for their product. I do not know that it would be worth our while to undertake development operations with a view to getting an export trade in present circumstances, a trade which would not, in all probability, continue after the war. These deposits were worked during the last war, but the operations ceased when the war ceased. I understand that the Minister for Industry and Commerce has under consideration the extent to which it is necessary to work deposits in the area for the supply of internal requirements.
I think that you could beat the ochre ring now, but that you could not do it some years ago.