asked the Minister for Lands if he will state the amount of fish that will be required weekly by the new fish-freezing and auction plant which is now nearing completion at Galway docks.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Docks Fish Freezing Plant.
I am informed by An Bord Iascaigh Mhara that approximately 50 tons of fish will be re-required weekly to enable the plant in the fish processing station in course of erection for the board at Galway to be operated to its present planned capacity.
Is the Minister satisfied that that supply is at present being landed in Galway? If not, will he take steps to ensure that more fishing boats are provided to meet the requirements?
I think my reply to that question would be better answered in connection with the Estimate. In actual fact, I am informed that the minimum operating capacity for this plant to enable it to operate economically is 25 tons. At the moment, 20 tons are being brought ashore to be processed. We hope to reach the figure of the extra five tons shortly when the plant will prove to be of economic value.