asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether he intends to renovate the freezing plant in Schull, County Cork; and, if so, if he will state the cost of the proposed work and the scheme he has in mind for the utilisation of the plant.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schull (Cork) Freezing Plant.
161.
The upkeep and utilisation of the plant and premises is a matter for An Bord Iascaigh Mhara who, I understand, recently invited tenders for the carrying out of some normal maintenance works. The premises are not being utilised at present because of inadequacy of supplies of fish for processing and also because of poor local demand for ice. The Board will be prepared to consider any reasonable offer for the sale or leasing of the premises, particularly if the intention is to utilise them in fishery interests.
Is the Minister aware that these premises have been idle since the time of the last Government and efforts by the Minister's predecessors to have them utilised were unsuccessful? Surely now that the Minister proposes to spend public money on them some effort should be made to utilise the premises which are at the seaside? Can the Minister say what useful purpose can be served by expending money on the renovation of the premises if he has nothing in mind for their utilisation?
That is a very defeatist attitude. Unless we keep them in repair there would be no hope; whatever hope we have of letting a premises which is in reasonable condition and a proper state of repair.
Has the Minister any proposal in mind? I understood from the Minister's predecessor, or from the Minister for Justice when he was in charge, that some proposal for their utilisation had been received.
From time to time inquiries have been made but there is no specific proposal before the board.