asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that oil-burning steamers passing the port of Cork, and making application for supplies at Cobh, have met with no response; and if he can state what steps are being taken to provide such necessary supplies from the storage plant at Haulbowline Dockyard.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - SUPPLIES FOR OIL-BURNING VESSELS AT COBH.
I have no information to the effect stated in the first part of the question. A few enquiries have been received as to whether supplies of fuel oil were available at Cobh, and the reply has been given that at present they are not.
Several proposals for the leasing of the storage tanks and the provision of oil supplies have been received, and I have no doubt that arrangements which will ensure a supply being available will shortly be made.
Mr. HENNESSY
Is the Minister aware that within the past fortnight two very large vessels passed the port of Cobh because of the want of oil supply there? That is a very serious financial loss to the port.
I have already answered that by saying that I have no information to the effect stated in the first part of the question.