asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware that a travelling creamery to facilitate a large number of farmers in the townlands of Headford, Droum, Droumcashin and Rossacaul is urgently required at Headford, County Kerry, and whether he is prepared to make the necessary arrangements at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Headford Creamery Facilities.
As a result of previous representations made to me regarding the provision of creamery facilities in the Headford area of County Kerry, the Dairy Disposal Company, at my request, carried out a survey of this district. The company found, however, that with the exception of a relatively small number of farmers, this area is adequately served by existing creamery facilities. In any event, it would not be feasible to provide a travelling creamery stop at Headford, as the travelling creameries attached to the Rathmore creamery group, within the territory of which this district comes, could not possibly cope with an additional stop. I would suggest that the farmers who are not already supplying existing separating stations should co-operate in making arrangements for the conveyance of their combined milk supplies to the nearest cream-separating station, as is at present being done by farmers in many other areas.
Mr. Flynn
Will the Minister consider the question of giving them a certain sum by way of subsidy in regard to transport?
To be quite honest with the Deputy, no. I should be glad to discuss the matter with the Deputy and help him to arrange some mode of joint transport which, I think, could probably be arranged on a basis that would constitute no serious burden upon them when one considers the saving of their own time in making individual journeys to the cream-separating stations.
Mr. Flynn
In view of the fact that the Minister admits that he cannot give them a service by way of a creamery stop, are they not entitled to some facilities for the transport of their milk?
I think I could satisfy the Deputy, if he would discuss the matter with me, by devising an arrangement that would place no unreasonable burden on them.