asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the vital importance of making available every possible source of plant food for the better preservation of the fertility of the soil, and with reference to the statement made by the Taoiseach to the Dublin Chamber of Commerce on 28th October last regarding the possibility of making available as a fertiliser town sewage and town refuse and waste, he will say what examination he has made or intends to have made regarding the immediate conversion of those potential sources of supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Soil Fertility.
The possibility of making use of town sewage and town refuse and waste as a fertiliser has been investigated on several occasions in recent years. I am aware that sewage sludge has been utilised to a limited extent in this country already for manurial purposes. The sludge generally has, bulk for bulk, a relatively low manurial value compared with other organic manures such as farmyard manure. It has to be dried before being fit for use, and in view of its bulky nature, relative to its value, the costs of transport are high, unless the sludge can be used for manure on allotments or other lands near the place where it is produced.
The processing of the sludge for the purpose of rendering it suitable for manurial purposes would involve the setting up of special plant for this purpose, and it is doubtful whether the product could be sold at an economic price to farmers. The whole matter, however, is at present under investigation.