asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he is aware of the great increase in the number of suppliers to the creamery stop at Kilgobnet, Beaufort, County Kerry, and whether, in view of this, he will arrange with the Dairy Disposals Company for the establishment of a permanent creamery in that district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Establishment of Permanent Creamery.
Although there has been some increase in the number of suppliers to the travelling creamery stop at Kilgobnet, Beaufort, County Kerry, I have been informed by the Dairy Disposals Company that the resulting increase in milk supplies is less than 10 per cent. of the total milk dealt with at the Kilgobnet stop. This supply is still too small to justify the erection of a separating station.
Is the Minister aware that there is a continuous increase over the past 12 or 18 months and will he have the matter further examined?
I am having this matter kept under review and I am aware that the milk supply in that area has increased; but the Deputy will recall that this travelling creamery also caters for Blackstones and Boheeshil areas, and were it to cease to have the Kilgobnet milk supply it would become impossible to maintain the circuit which caters for the other two centres as well. Nevertheless, if the Kilgobnet supply should expand so as to exceed the capacity of the travelling creamery, a separating station would be put at Kilgobnet and alternative arrangements made for the other centres.