asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will arrange for the Dairy Disposal Board to facilitate the farmers of Hare Island by hauling their milk between the pier on the mainland at Cunamore and the local creamery at Aughadown, Skibbereen.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulage of Milk from Hare Island.
Mr. Moylan
I have had inquiries made from the Dairy Disposal Company, Limited in this matter and have been informed that the company would not feel justified in undertaking the relatively high capital and operating cost of a special lorry service for the collection of the small quantity of milk available from Hare Island. If, however, the islanders themselves were prepared to organise a cartage system for their milk on the mainland, by employing a local carter or otherwise, the company would assist them as far as possible in making such arrangements and, in an effort to solve the problem and having regard to the difficulties involved, would be willing to contribute towards the cost of such cartage.
Is the Minister not aware that the farmers of Hare Island facilitate the Dairy Disposal Board by hauling their milk across the sea to the mainland at Cunamore, which is roughly four miles away from the creamery? Surely the Dairy Disposal Board, a semi-State board, subsidised from public funds, should give added facilities to the islanders by having the milk transported those four miles to the creamery?