asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that ground limestone is being taken by lorry from Roscommon to North Donegal and that ground limestone from North Donegal is being taken to South Donegal; and, if so, if he will take steps to have this waste of State moneys prevented.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Ground Limestone.
Mr. Walsh
I am aware that the limestone grinding plant at Convoy, County Donegal, has been unable to meet the demand and that farmers who urgently required lime for their lands had to order supplies from the plant at Boyle, which has a much greater output capacity. An additional plant is now in operation in County Donegal, and I am at present considering proposals for the more economic organisation of the supply of ground limestone.
When the Minister says that, I take it he is not going to deny to farmers the facilities they at present enjoy. Is the scheme he has now in mind going to multiply the centres for grinding? Does the Minister mean to increase the number of grinding centres?
Mr. Walsh
We mean to give greater facilities to the farmers.
Do not get cross about it. All I want to say to the Minister is this: I take it the Minister means he is going to multiply the centres for grinding facilities and that he is not going to deny to farmers the facilities they at present enjoy.
Mr. Walsh
We will do anything which will benefit the farmers more.
Is the Minister aware that a similar situation exists as regards the transfer of ground limestone from Galway to Mayo? Would he not consider having a plant erected there?
Will the Minister see that the alleged subsidy on ground limestone in the Estimates charged against the Department of Agriculture and used as a stick against farmers, as a subsidy, will be used to see that the benefit of the transport of ground limestone will be given to farmers and not made as a subsidy to a bankrupt transport company?
This question has reference only to Roscommon and to North and South Donegal.