asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state (i) the number of limestone plants in operation, (ii) their location and total maximum output, (iii) the number and location of plants to be in operation during the present year and their anticipated output, (iv) the number estimated as being required for the operation of the new reclamation scheme, and (v) whether prices of ground limestone at site or spread have been revised upwards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limestone Plants.
The grinding of limestone is in the hands of private enterprise and, so far as I am aware, (i) there are actually five plants at present in operation; (ii) Kilkenny, Carrickmacross, Buttevant, Ballyellin, County Carlow, and Clogrennane, County Carlow; (iii) the location of plants to be in operation during the present year is believed to be, in addition to those already named, County Donegal, County Clare, County Kildare, County Longford, County Mayo, County Wexford, County Dublin, County Cork and County Waterford; and it is hoped to add to these numbers; (iv) the number estimated as being required will depend on the size of those established; the total annual production believed to be necessary will be about 2,000,000 tons per annum; (v) I am not aware of any upward revision in prices and believe that farmers should expect to have limestone spread on their land at about 26/- per ton within ten miles of the spreading plant, with 1/- per ton for every five miles additional transport up to 40 miles, and 16/- loaded on their carts at the plant.