asked the Minister for Supplies if the turf dumps at Phoenix Park and Ringsend are used as emergency stocks to be held for the whole duration of the crisis; and whether supplies of turf brought in by lorry can be diverted to outlying districts of County Dublin to meet the present shortage.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Dumps.
The turf dumps at Phoenix Park and Ringsend like similar dumps held by Fuel Importers (Éire). Limited in the non-turf area were established to provide a reserve stock of fuel which could be called on as and when required during the period of the emergency. Only limited supplies of turf for Fuel Importers (Éire). Limited are now reaching Dublin by lorry and the Deputy will appreciate that, owing to weather conditions, such supplies are not always immediately merchantable and must be inspected before being released to the public. Where the turf is merchantable, there is no great difficulty in diverting it to those districts of County Dublin where it is most urgently required.
Would the Minister say how many months' supply of turf is being kept as an iron ration in the Phoenix Park in that way?
I think the Deputy had better give notice of that question because so many hypotheses would have to be assumed before an answer giving the Deputy the information he desires could be given. A simple statement would not meet the case.