asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the number of inland water barges, privately owned, that are at present operating in the State and how this figure corresponds with the number that were in working condition in 1945; and if, in view of the heavy expenditure incurred in having barges constructed by the State in the years of the emergency, he will consider making grants available to owners towards the maintenance of their barges or where vessels are not in use, or have been abandoned, request Córas Iompair Éireann to maintain them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inland Water Barges.
I am informed that there are 23 privately-owned barges operating on the Royal Canal, Grand Canal and Shannon Navigation as compared with 52 in 1945.
The answer to the last part of the Deputy's question is in the negative.