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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 1952

Vol. 129 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Turf Dump.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there is a dump containing a large amount of turf at Togher, Cork, owned by Fuel Importers (Éire) Limited; that the company have entered into a contract to have the dump cleared; that this turf is now being dumped into a nearby glen where it cannot be recovered; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that the cost of fuel is so high at present and that several hundred families who cannot afford to purchase fuel are willing to pay loading and freight charges to have this turf brought to their homes, he will make the necessary arrangements to have it made available to them.

The turf in question is the unsaleable residue of stocks accumulated during the emergency years. It was offered, delivered free of charge, to all public and charitable institutions and others in Cork, but, except for a relatively negligible quantity, the offer was not accepted. I am satisfied that, owing to the poor quality of the turf, the Deputy's suggestion is not practicable.

Considering that 20 to 25 per cent. of the turf that is being removed from another dump to local authority institutions is suitable for fuel purposes, why should it be that in this case turf that has been in a dump for roughly the same period is not as to 20 to 25 per cent. suitable for fuel? Why should the local people be denied the right of taking that portion of the turf which is suitable for fuel?

This residue of turf, which is of a very low grade, was offered, delivered free of charge in Cork, to the Vincent de Paul Society, the Cork Mental Home, the City Manager, the Legion of Mary and the African Missions, as well as a number of private firms, and none of them was prepared to accept it.

I am asking that people living in the vicinity, not institutions or communities but individual families should have the right to take it.

The same procedure was adopted in relation to a similar dump at Limerick and individuals were allowed to take it, and very little of it was taken. In Cork there is practical difficulty, I understand, in allowing individuals access to the area in which the dump is located.

Will the Minister make inquiries as to the possibility of giving these people right of entry to take the turf?

If the Deputy will get any organisation in Cork to accept it, we will deliver it free of charge.

Or individual families?

Three parts mould to one part turf.

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