asked the Minister for Finance if he will state what steps it is proposed to take to render safe the small slip at Castletownbere.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Castletownbere Boat Slip.
I have caused inquiries to be made and am informed by my technical advisers that the boat slip at Castletownbere is usable for nine hours out of 12 during spring tides, and for virtually the whole tidal range during neap-tides; and that the use of a gangway with the existing barges should get over the difficulty of loading and unloading, except at times about low water at spring tides when there is not sufficient water to float the barges alongside the slip. I am further advised that an extension of the existing structure would present difficulties on account of the foundations, and that the cost would be out of proportion to any advantages which might result.
I do not think that the Parliamentary Secretary's technical experts have adverted to the right slip. It is a small slip which might be described as a trap and a menace; it is not suitable for unloading cattle and it is a danger to anybody who might stand upon it.