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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1943

Vol. 89 No. 14

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Distribution in Dublin.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware of the difficulties of bellmen distributing turf in the city, and that all bellmen have to go to Phoenix Park with animal-drawn vehicles for supplies, whilst members of Fuel Importers, Limited, draw supplies from North Wall to their local coal yards with petrol-drawn vehicles, if he will say whether any priority certificate was given to the coal merchants who are members of Fuel Importers, Limited; and, if so, why was the distinction made between the bellmen and the merchants, and if he will allow the bellmen supplying the consumers in the North Wall area to draw supplies from the North Wall.

All the stocks of turf fit for immediate sale at the North Wall dump have been exhausted and, consequently, the only source of supply now for either bellmen or other merchants is the Phoenix Park dump.

No form of priority has either been sought by or granted to persons in the coal trade who are members of Fuel Importers (Éire) Limited. Any distinction drawn between bellmen and merchants has been in favour of the former who have been allowed to draw turf from the North Wall up to the 29th March, 1943, whilst the merchants who had petrol-driven vehicles had to go to the Phoenix Park as from the 9th February, 1943.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Minister aware that since March 29th merchants, who are members of Fuel Importers, Limited, have drawn considerable quantities of dry turf from the North Wall to their own yards, and sold it in half-ton and ton lots?

That is not true.

Mr. Byrne

I was witness to it.

On the date of transfer there was clamp containing 500 tons remaining at the North Wall. That quantity was too small to be distributed amongst the bellmen, and Dublin City merchants were allowed to draw it until it was cleared. It is now gone.

Mr. Byrne

To their own yards.

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