asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that provision of a creamery in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, is now an urgent necessity; and that Claremorris station will not be able to cope with the 1965 milk supply; and if he will take steps to ensure that the Ballinrobe project will go ahead at once.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballinrobe (Mayo) Creamery.
15.
The co-operative creamery society concerned was informed by my Department last April that a licence under the Creamery Act, 1928, would be granted in due course in respect of the establishment of a cream-separating station at Ballinrobe. The erection of the station is a matter for the society itself, which, I understand, has recently revised its plans as to the milk capacity to be provided for.
Is the Minister aware that as a result of the revision of plans as to milk capacity which was absolutely necessary. An Foras Tionscal appeared to be dithering as to whether it will give the appropriate grant? It looks as if there will be chaos as between Claremorris and Ballinrobe in regard to the milk supply position.
Dithering and chaos appeared to be appropriate words to use in connection with the Department of Agriculture.
As the Deputy knows the function of the Department of Agriculture is to decide whether a licence should be issued. We have indicated that such a licence would be issued, subject to certain qualifications. I know that the IAOS has examined the question of the capacity of the station and as a result of that examination revised plans have been prepared and the cost of the building and of the installation of machinery has been substantially increased. This has necessitated a new application to An Foras Tionscal by the society for an increased grant. That application is being considered by An Foras Tionscal at present. As I understand the position, I do not think it is fair to say they are dithering. They have agreed to a certain grant. There was no undue delay in their coming to a decision to give the grant. They now have to consider whether they will make an increased grant.
I accept that the Minister's Department is in no way to blame. What I am really asking the Minister to do is to use his good offices with An Foras Tionscal to see they will come to a decision on this matter urgently with a view to having this station in operation by 1965.
I will do that with the greatest of pleasure.
Without dithering.
I never dither.
Your colleague does not seem to agree with you.
It is An Foras Tionscal, not the Department of Agriculture.