asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the serious fuel supply position in Dublin, he is prepared to make a statement on this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Fuel Supply Position.
The fuel situation in Dublin is much the same as in the remainder of the non-turf area which does not differ greatly from that in the turf area. By reason of bad weather conditions during the second half of 1946, the available turf everywhere is poor in quality and restricted in quantity. The position in the non-turf area is accentuated by the fact that turf consumption there increased by approximately 50 per cent. on consumption in 1945.
At the present time Dublin is, for all practical purposes, dependent for domestic fuel on the turf in the dumps. Any figures I might quote in regard to the quantity so available would, of necessity, be subject to so many reservations that they would provide a very unsound foundation for any conclusions as to the position. Weather conditions —even over a comparatively short period—affect turf so greatly that the supply position may vary even from day to day. Turf in the fuel dumps which is not in large clamps, has been disposed in such a way as to derive immediate benefit from any spells of drying weather that may occur. The turf in the large clamps does not react to the weather to the same extent. It will not improve with better weather, except to the extent that the outer covering of clamping sods may dry out, nor will it deteriorate in bad weather, apart from the same covering layers. It is, however, uneven in quality owing to the weather conditions in which it was saved and transported. Good or bad weather affects the exposed or loose turf in the working bays from which supplies are being drawn, and the aggregate effect on tonnage may be substantial.
No coal supplies are in sight which could be made available for general domestic use.
The domestic fuel position is definitely a matter for concern and it must remain so in varying degree until the 1947 turf crop is available. Unless there is an early and protracted spell of dry weather, there will be difficulty in maintaining domestic supplies in the non-turf area (including Dublin) at a reasonable level until the 1946 turf still on the bogs can be conditioned for use. Assuming fair weather conditions, the 1946 turf should see us through until the 1947 crop is available. I am hopeful that nothing in the nature of a serious shortage will develop, but it will be appreciated that in the circumstances I have explained anything in the line of forecasts must, of necessity, be largely conjectural.
So far as concerns Dublin and other urban areas in which cheap or free fuel schemes are in operation, I should add that it is hoped to maintain supplies equal both in quality and quantity to the turf which was made available for this purpose in previous years.