asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries whether, in view of the fact that the iceplant at Schull has been idle for the past eight years, and that the building has greatly deteriorated, he will take steps to dispose of this building to some enterprise which would make use of the building to set up an industry giving much-needed employment in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schull (Cork) Iceplant.
55.
An Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the owners of this plant and building, have been trying to dispose of the property for some time past and, in fact, are about to re-advertise it for sale or leasing.
Would the Minister's Department not be able to do something with this building and provide some industrial development there? Would he not agree his Department should help the industrial development of and area such as Schull?
The Deputy is not asking a question but making a statement.
What is wrong with it? It is a question in accordance with the procedure laid down by the House.
(Interruptions.)
I agree with the Deputy it would be very desirable to have these premises used for some industry connected with the fishing industry. Indeed, the Board are very anxious either to sell or lease it for this particular purpose. But, as the Deputy knows, the basic trouble in regard to the premises is the catches in the particular area.
I am calling the next question.