asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that, at the moment, coal stocks have accumulated in Cork City beyond the capacity of local consumers to absorb them; and if he will permit some supplies of such coal to be allocated to domestic users in Cork County turf areas, such as Kinsale, Youghal, Cobh, Passage, etc., which are over 30 miles from the nearest bog and where turf and timber are very difficult to obtain at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coal Stocks in Cork.
As Cork and Dublin are the only ports capable of accommodating the American coal boats, the accumulation of considerable coal stocks at each of these centres was unavoidable. These stocks are, however, for general consumption and were not intended for local consumption only.
With regard to the latter part of the question, the fuel requirements of all parts of the country are being kept under constant review in the light of the available supplies of coal, turf and firewood, and the Deputy may rest assured that the interests of the various sections of the community are borne in mind in connection with the utilisation of the available stocks.
Would the Minister permit some coal to go to these towns if it were required?
I have already explained that the total quantity of coal available for domestic use is not sufficient to permit of a domestic ration outside the ration areas.
That coal is within a very short distance of those towns.
The fact of the coal being at Cork is a mere accident.