asked the Minister for Agriculture if it is proposed to build a separating station at Ahakista to relieve the problem of milk collection there.
Written Answers. - County Cork Separating Station.
Mr. Walsh
As the Ahakista district is within the supply area of the Drinagh Co-Operative Creamery Ltd., the question of the erection of a cream-separating station there is a matter for that society. I understand, however, that the Society does not propose to establish a cream-separating station in the Ahakista area as it is satisfied that the operation of such a station would be wholly uneconomic and furthermore would divert milk from neighbouring stations owned by the society, thereby rendering their operation also uneconomic. The only solution for the farmers in the area who live at undue distances from the existing cream-separating stations is for them to arrange for the conveyance of their combined milk supplies to the nearest station as is done to advantage in many other areas throughout the country. I also understand from the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society that they are now about to make a strong effort with the co-operation of the Drinagh Society to persuade the local farmers, in their own interests, to combine to operate such a cartage system.