asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the specifications of the proposed new ship to replace the S.S. Dún Aengus on the Galway-Aran service are such that its passenger-carrying certificate will be for a lesser number in the area inside Aran than the permitted maximum of the S.S. Dún Aengus in the same area, and, if so, whether he is satisfied that the new maximum passenger load will suffice for the summer traffic; further, whether more promenade space and better victualling for passengers will be provided in the new ship.
Ceisteann—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway-Aran Service.
I am informed by C.I.E., who are responsible for the operation of the Galway-Aran service, that the specifications of the new vessel to replace the Dún Aengus have not yet been finally settled. It is the board's intention that the new vessel should cater for approximately the same number of passengers as the Dún Aengus and should also have adequate promenade space and provision for buffet meals for passengers.
I wonder would the Minister state if this proposed tender would be capable of catering for liner traffic at Galway?
That is not the question that is asked but the vessel that will be supplied will be constructed in such a way that it can take a varying number of passengers at varying conditions of tide and varying kinds of weather.