asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that many people in Dublin city and county are without domestic fuel of any sort; if he will state what supplies of domestic fuel are available, what supplies are available for immediate distribution, and also, if he has considered the possibility of providing fuel during the present crisis from timber growing within easy reach of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fuel Supplies.
So far as can be estimated, there is sufficient turf in the dumps to meet the domestic requirements of the current ration period. The difficulties of distribution are due to weather conditions, which have also seriously affected the quality of the turf.
As regards firewood, the normal statutory restrictions on the felling of trees have been materially relaxed, and I am arranging to increase the margin on sales of such fuel so as to give a further inducement to merchants and others to secure the maximum supplies possible. Discussions are proceeding with merchants as to the measures which might be taken by them to expand the supply of wood fuel.
Is it now possible for an applicant for a tree-felling licence to get the licence without delay?
Yes.
Because up to this it took about three weeks to get the licence.
I do not think so.
Yes, that is correct.
Two months.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the people of Dundalk and surrounding districts are without adequate supplies of fuel; that the turf available is of such a quality that great hardship is suffered by consumers; and if he will take immediate steps to remedy the position at present existing in those areas.
I have already explained the general fuel position very fully to the Dáil. In regard to Dundalk, the position there has certainly been no worse—and has, if anything, been rather better—than anywhere else in the non-turf area.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the grave fuel shortage in Mountmellick, Abbeyleix, Durrow, and other towns in Leix where the people have no fires and cannot get supplies of turf or coal to purchase; and if he will have something done to relieve this state of affairs in the county.
Ordinarily my responsibility for the production of the fuel supplies is confined to the non-turf area. I am aware that in the towns mentioned in the question and in other towns in the turf area, fuel shortages exist and my Department co-operates with local authorities and fuel merchants in efforts to relieve them. An immediate improvement in the position can best be provided by temporary expedients which I suggest should be organised and directed on a local voluntary basis by responsible and influential persons in the localities affected.
I might add that the failure of the fuel supply in towns situated so close to bogs clearly indicates the lack of response to the Government's appeal last year to cut the maximum quantity of turf and the need for a much greater effort in this respect in the coming season.
Is the Minister aware that in the areas referred to in the question as much turf was cut last year, if not more, as in any other year during the emergency? Is he aware that the turf was cut in March but that, due to the very bad weather, the first crop was completely destroyed and it was impossible for the people to cut a second crop? Would it be possible for the Minister to see if at least a small portion of the large amount of turf in the hands of local authorities would be allocated for the towns mentioned, as it is impossible to remove the turf from the bogs in that area? Will the Minister consider allowing portion of the turf which is to go to Fuel Importers, Limited, to be used locally in those areas in order to relieve the very serious situation that at present exists in Abbeyleix and Durrow?
I could not agree that the turf which was to be delivered to Fuel Importers, Limited, should be diverted to meet local needs. The Leix County Manager has released supplies of turf from institution stocks to meet the requirements of certain towns in the county.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that fuel merchants in Donabate are unable to obtain supplies of turf or wood; that the people in the district are in urgent need of fuel supplies; and if he will have the matter investigated with a view to having the situation remedied.
I am not aware that fuel merchants in Donabate are unable to obtain supplies of turf. A temporary breakdown in supplies to one of the merchants concerned has been remedied. Wood fuel is in short supply generally and the position in this respect is no worse in Donabate than elsewhere.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the acute shortage of fuel for domestic purposes in Kimmage, Crumlin and Drimnagh; and if, in view of the fact that people in these areas have no alternative means of heating, he will take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
Steps have been taken to improve matters in the areas mentioned to the maximum extent possible in the existing difficult circumstances in regard to fuel supplies generally.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the acute shortage of fuel for domestic purposes in the villages of Saggart and Rathcoole for the past fortnight; and if he will take immediate steps to remedy the situation.
I am aware that there has been a shortage of fuel in Saggart and Rathcoole in recent weeks. Local circumstances are very difficult but action is being taken by my Department to improve matters so far as is possible.