(An Clár) asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the grinding mill at Killaloe is closed because of the refusal of the lessee to take Shannon electric power instead of water power, and if in view of the unemployment thus caused and the disorganisation resulting in grain and grain products distribution for the farming community in a large area surrounding Killaloe he will endeavour to secure the continued operation of the mill.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killaloe Grinding Mill
Pádraig O hOgáin
I am not in a position to say why these mills are closed, but a supply of electricity from the Shannon works has been offered to the occupier in place of his water power. That offer has not been accepted up to the present. There do not appear to be any further representations which I can effectively make to the occupier, who will, no doubt, have fully considered such consequences of closing the mills as are stated in the question.
Mr. Hogan
Is the Minister aware that the owner of the building has stated that he is prepared to let it to any firm which is prepared to carry on that business or any similar business and would it not be in the interests of the farmers and the workers in that district that the Department of Industry and Commerce should make such representations to some other firm who will carry it on, if the owner is willing to let the building?
Surely the Department of Industry and Commerce are not preventing him from setting the mill. What can they do? Does the Deputy want them to let it for the owner?
Mr. Hogan
Surely the Department of Industry and Commerce ought to be in a position to get in touch with some firm who would carry it on?
Has the owner no duties in the matter at all?