asked the Minister for Defence if he is yet in a position to indicate when the 24 ft. jetty at Haulbowline is expected to be completed; and further, if he will state the Department's intentions regarding the oil storage to be made available at Haulbowline and if, in view of the need for accommodation for bunkering vessels, he will offer this storage to commercial firms who may be interested in operating on a commercial basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Haulbowline Jetty.
asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the fact thatthe present contract for the erection of the jetty at Haulbowline is nearing completion, he will ensure that tenders are invited immediately to increase the depth of water at low tide to 31 ft. to enable the berthing and discharge of ocean-going tankers at all states of tide.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 39 together.
It is expected that the 24 ft. jetty which is under construction at Haulbowline will be completed at the end of the present month. When it has been completed consideration will be given to the question of inviting applications for a lease of the oil installations adjacent to the jetty so as to enable an oil-bunkering business to be undertaken commercially at Haulbowline. Such consideration will be subject to whatever decision may be reached in regard to extending the jetty so as to give a minimum depth alongside of 31 ft. at low water. A decision on this matter has not yet been taken.