asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that there is a shortage of timber for fuel in the town of Carlow, and the turf supply there is of inferior quality; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will permit local persons to obtain such supplies of coal as are available from the colliery at Rossmore, Carlow.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carlow Fuel Supply.
I am not in a position to confirm the Deputy's statement that there is a shortage of timber for fuel in the town of Carlow. I am informed, however, that merchants in that town hold adequate supplies of turf the quality of which is not inferior to that obtainable elsewhere throughout the scheduled areas.
As a result of a general and acute shortage of coal and the necessity of reserving existing supplies for industrial purposes, I have been obliged to prohibit the general use of coal for domestic purposes throughout the country and I cannot make an exception in favour of domestic users of fuel in any particular town.
Is the Minister aware that the Carlow and Graigue-Cullen Parish Councils contemplated putting into operation a scheme for providing timber for needy people in that town, but that they were frustrated in their efforts owing to the shortage of timber? Will he make inquiries to confirm the generally accepted point of view in Carlow that the quality of turf supplied there is inferior? Having regard to these two facts, will he permit even a limited quantity of Rossmore coal, or in any case the duff which is to be had at Castlecomer colliery, to be used by local people to supplement their present inadequate fuel supply?
The Minister is satisfied from a report that he received that the quality of the turf in Carlow is good.
Nobody in Carlow agrees with him.