asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that a deputation called on the chairman and other officers of Dairy Disposal Company some time ago in connection with the erection of an auxiliary creamery at Currans, Farranfore, County Kerry; and, if so, if he will state if it is the intention of the company to proceed with the erection of creamery.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Kerry Auxiliary Creamery.
Mr. Walsh
The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes." As regards the second part, I am informed by the Dairy Disposal Company that they have examined very carefully the question of creamery facilities in the Currans area and they are satisfied that the farmers in this area are reasonably well served by the travelling creamery which stops at Kilfalney as well as by the neighbouring creamery premises. In these circumstances the company does not propose to provide a cream-separating station in the area.
Is the Minister aware that about 2,000 or 3,000 gallons of milk are involved in the peak period and that creamery facilities for the farmers in the area are urgently required? The farmers there are anxious that an auxiliary creamery be erected. The people have made a very good case for the erection of the creamery. In view of the Minister's reply to me now, I would ask him to reconsider the whole position seriously.
Mr. Walsh
I met a deputation from this particular area two years ago. I told them that I would have an investigation carried out. That investigation has been carried out. As a result of that investigation, and as a result of the investigation carried out by the Dairy Disposal Company, it has been decided not to provide a cream-separating station in the area.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, might I point out that this travelling creamery which collects the milk at Currans must make three or four stops for separation? That means that the suppliers must rise at 5 o'clock in the morning and be at one of the stops at about 6.30 a.m. or 7 a.m. That is obviously a great inconvenience to the milk suppliers in the area. It sometimes means that some of them might have to miss Mass on Sundays or on holydays.
Mr. Walsh
I have given the Deputy the information which I have received from the Dairy Disposal Company.