asked the Minister for Agriculture when it is proposed to approve of the erection and construction of the new milk processing factory to be erected on the lands of Mr. Daniel Bergin, near Durrow, County Laois; when it is expected that this industry will be in production; if he will indicate the approximate number of persons to be employed in the area; if, in so far as his Department are concerned, approval has been given for the setting-up of the plant; and if he will make a statement in regard to the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Milk Processing Factory.
24.
I have already announced my proposal for the establishment of a new dairy products factory in County Kilkenny, and I am awaiting detailed proposals from the sponsors as to the actual site and other relevant aspects.
Can the Minister say whether the site at Durrow, Laois, is being considered for the milk processing factory?
I understand that several sites are under consideration. My advice is that this factory should be ideally situated in a triangle between Kilkenny, Ballyragget and Freshford.
Does that cut out Durrow ?
As I said, several sites are being considered. My anxiety is to try to site the factory ideally so that those supplying milk will get the best possible price.
Surely the Minister is aware that for a fortnight before the general election this factory was promised to three different counties at the same time ?
By the Deputy ?
Not at a shilling a gallon.
May I ask the Minister——
A relevant question, I hope.
Yes. Is he aware that for a fortnight before the general election this milk processing factory was promised in Kilkenny, Laois and Tipperary at the same time by the same Party and on the same Minister's instructions ?
I am afraid the Deputy is under a slight misapprehension. There are two separate factories involved. I would not expect the Deputy to be au fait with this important industry. There are two separate proposals: one to establish a milk processing factory in Tipperary and one in Kilkenny.
Where is the factory for Laois. That is the one I am interested in. Let us hear about that.
When I receive the proposals of the various interests concerned, I will approve or not approve of the particular sites on the basis I have already indicated, namely, that the site——
The triangle between Ballyragget, Kilkenny and Freshford.
——is the one best calculated to provide an efficient industry and capable of paying the producers the best possible price.
May I repeat the question in a fortnight?
The Deputy would like——
I want to be helpful; I do not want to embarrass the Minister.
The Deputy would like to site these factories on political considerations.
I will decide them on economic and technical considerations.
The Minister would not be concerned with politics. Oh, no. I will repeat the question in a fortnight's time.