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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Jun 1944

Vol. 94 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Quarrying of Surface Coal.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in the event of landowners or interested persons or groups of persons undertaking with the permission of his Department to quarry surface coal in the Kilkenny coalfield area, he will permit the coal so raised to be distributed as a local ration to local industries and local consumers; and if he will guarantee that such coal shall not be taken to satisfy any other demands until a reasonable ration has been allocated to local consumers, private and industrial.

I am not prepared to lease coal deposits in State ownership if the operations of the lessees would have the effect of transferring skilled labour from existing mines. Furthermore, the sale and distribution of coal in the Kilkenny area must continue to be made in accordance with the Orders in force from time to time. All available coal supplies are required for essential purposes, and I would not, in present circumstances, countenance any diversion of effort to the production of coal for other use.

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