asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the contractor who was carrying out the borings in connection with the proposed facilities for passengers at Cobh has stopped work there and is now back in Cork where he is engaged in a contract with the Cork Harbour Commissioners and will not resume borings at Cobh for at least six months, and whether, in view of the urgent necessity for these improved facilities, he will take immediate steps to have the work proceeded with.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Improving Passenger Facilities at Cobh.
I have only been informed within the past few days by the Cork Harbour Commissioners that it was necessary to suspend temporarily the trial borings at Cobh because heavier equipment was required and the contractor returned to Cork Harbour where his services were urgently needed. I am informed by the harbour commissioners that the heavier equipment required for the operations at Cobh has been obtained and that it is anticipated that work on the trial borings at Cobh can be recommenced within five weeks from now. I have previously impressed upon the Cork Harbour Commissioners the urgency of having the trial borings completed as soon as possible and I will do so again.