asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received any report from the Industrial Development Authority on the feasibility of manufacturing alginate yarns at or near Kilkerrin from the searod raw materials at present being exported for manufacture to Scotland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Manufacture of Alginate Yarns.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that the Deputy has been in communication with the Industrial Development Authority with regard to the possibility of getting Alginate Industries (Ireland), Limited, Kilkerrin, County Galway, to extend their manufacturing activities on the lines mentioned. I understand from the authority that the matter is still under consideration.
The Minister appreciates the desirability of putting an end to a system whereunder the raw materials for these alginate yarns are shipped from Kilkerrin to Scotland and there converted into the fibre? I think it would be more advantageous if they were converted into the fibre at Kilkerrin, because in this area it is extremely difficult to provide satisfactory industrial employment for the people.
It should be done in West Donegal.
Mr. Walsh
Such an arrangement has been made by the Deputy.
I take it the Minister and his satellites will hold the scheme up.
Mr. Walsh
If there is a demand for nylons, yes.
I beg the Minister not to be silly about this matter. This material is at present being manufactured in Scotland. It is being shipped there from Kilkerrin. All I ask the Minister to do is to look into the question, if necessary in collaboration with the Scottish firm, so as to get the processing operation done at Kilkerrin and later shipped across.