asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether the project to provide ground limestone within County Clare for land holders desiring to use this fertiliser has been abandoned; and, if so, if he is in a position to state the reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ground Limestone.
As I have indicated in reply to previous questions on this subject, the production of ground limestone is a matter for private enterprise. Evidence of a demand for the material in County Clare would greatly encourage an interested firm in proceeding with the erection of a plant in that county, and I understand that the firm who are prepared to put a plant there have been in correspondence with the county committee of agriculture on the subject. I am not aware of the result of the correspondence and I cannot, therefore, say whether the project has or has not been abandoned.
Would the Minister indicate how evidence of interest in the project could be given, to whom would they give it and how would they give it?
Yes. The matter was mentioned on a previous occasion. The firm in question made known its interest and I put the firm in communication with the county committee of agriculture. So far as I am aware, that correspondence is proceeding. If the county committee feels that there is anything I can do to expedite the matter I would be glad if they would let me know.
Is the Minister aware that the committee decided that burned lime was a much better fertiliser than ground limestone?
That raises a rather wide question, I think, that is not strictly related to the question to which the Deputy required an answer.
But it cuts across the interest in the matter.
It would raise a protracted discussion between the Deputy and myself.
asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether any scheme is being prepared by his Department whereby the cost of transporting ground limestone over long distances will be assisted by way of a subsidy or grant from State funds; and, if so, when it will come into operation.
No such scheme is being prepared.
Arising out of the Minister's elaborate reply, is the Minister aware that it is costing farmers who live 30 to 50 miles from the source of supply of lime, £4 to £5 a statute acre to have lime provided for their land? Is the Minister satisfied that farmers can continue to draw adequate lime for their land at that price?
Doubtless the Deputy will draw the attention of any farmer whose land requires rehabilitation to the provision made under the land project.
But if it does not require rehabilitation and needs lime, what will they do?
Buy it.
At the price quoted?
I should be long sorry to see them pay that much.
Is the Minister aware that the land rehabilitation project does not provide that a farmer may purchase lime or get it at the cheaper rate unless the land needs drainage or other improvement?
That is true, but I do not accept that the farmers are required to pay £5 per statute acre if they choose to go around and find a person who will deliver it more cheaply.
What is your estimate?
I know that for a protracted period any farmer in Wexford could have it applied for 30/- a ton and I could get, I think, only six applicants through the medium of the Wexford County Committee of Agriculture to apply for it.
It is only a small part of the country.
Would it not be a good beginning?