andCoburn asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce what is the maximum tonnage of ships that can be accommodated at the ports of Drogheda and Dundalk, respectively; further, how many ships of such tonnage or less are owned by Irish Shipping, Limited.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Accommodation at Louth Ports.
The size of vessels which can be accommodated with safety at a port is determined by each harbour authority concerned. The principal determining factor is the draught of vessels, but length, breadth or tonnage may also be taken into account.
Particulars of the depths and the range of tides in the principal Irish ports, including Dundalk and Drogheda, are shown in the Shipping Handbook, 1954, published and issued under the direction of the Minister for Industry and Commerce. Copy of the handbook has been placed in the Oireachtas Library.
I am advised that two of the present vessels of Irish Shipping, Limited, could probably be accommodated at both ports. The question could only be determined, however, in consultation between the company's officials and the harbour authority concerned. I understand that Irish Shipping, Limited, would always be prepared to arrange for the inspection of any port for which business offers.
Arising out of that reply, will the Minister state whether he would be prepared to make representations to Irish Shipping, Limited, in this matter, and would he be prepared, in view of the fact that there are only two ships which can go into such ports as Drogheda and Dundalk, to examine the position in order that we would have in these ports accommodation for the kind of ships that all the ports in Ireland can accommodate? This thing of saying that ports——
This sounds rather like a speech, Deputy.
And not like the original question.