asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that some of the best limestone in Ireland is to be found in unlimited quantities in the Kenmare-Kilgarvan area, County Kerry, and as the nearest ground limestone factory to Kerry is at Buttevant, if he will request the management of the Mallow Beet Factory to explore the possibility of setting up a ground limestone plant in the area mentioned so that much-needed supplies may be made available for the farmers of Kerry and West Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Limestone Plant.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that Comhlucht Siúicre Éireann have already considered the erection of a limestone grinding plant in Kerry, and have decided not to undertake such a project. They will, however, be prepared to give all technical advice possible to interested parties. As the Deputy is probably aware, the selection of sites for limestone grinding plants is a matter for those who propose to invest their capital in such undertakings.
Would the Minister consider using his best influence with Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann to place one of their lime-grinding plants in Kerry if private enterprise is not prepared to undertake the assignment? Kerry is an area where there is a long haulage done in limestone and where there is an admirable deposit of limestone to be ground if somebody will undertake to do it. Would the Minister not think it legitimate to ask Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann or Mianrai Teoranta or somebody under his patronage to go down and grind it for the people?
Mr. Walsh
Comhlucht Siúicre Eireann will supply lime to anyone in any part of Kerry at 16/- a ton from Ballybeg.
Does not that involve a transport subsidy? If the grinding were done at Kenmare, say, that could be saved.
Mr. Walsh
My information is that the demand in Kerry would not justify it. The quality of the deposit is all right but the demand is not for it.