asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Cobh town pier, which is used by almost 500 steel workers each day as well as by the island residents, is badly in need of repair; and whether, in view of the failure of the Cork Harbour Commissioners to take action in the matter, he will arrange to have the pier examined by officers of his Department.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cobh Pier Repairs.
Under the provisions of the Harbours Act, 1946, the Cork Harbour Commissioners are responsible for the harbour installations at Cobh. Representations about the condition of the town pier should, accordingly, be addressed to the commissioners.
I may say, however, that I am informed by the Cork Harbour Commissioners that they have recently carried out extensive repairs to the pier and that they are satisfied that the pier is safe and suitable for the traffic using it.
I have asked the Minister if he would send down one of his own officials to see the condition of the pier and see whether he would consider it is right that 200 or 300 men should come off that pier at two and three o'clock in the morning, coming off night-shift?
I suppose the pier will appear in the same light to one person as to another. The Cork Harbour Commissioners, which is the body which has the statutory responsibility for keeping this pier in repair——
And who are responsible to you.
Order!
——have informed me that they have recently expended money on the pier and that in their view it is in a sound and satisfactory condition. If the Deputy disputes that——
I do.
——presumably, he can take the matter up with the Cork Harbour Commissioners, with whom I imagine, he has more than a nodding acquaintance.
I am doing that long enough.