asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the present position regarding the application of Galway Harbour Commissioners for a Harbour Works Order.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Harbour.
As I explained on 24th November, 1954, in reply to a previous question from the Deputy, further consideration of the application of the Galway Harbour Commissioners for a Harbour Works Order was deferred pending receipt of the tenders for the deepening of the commercial dock on two alternative bases.
Amended contract documents to form the basis of the alternative tenders were received from the harbour commissioners on the 19th March, 1955. The examination of these documents will be completed as expeditiously as possible and the harbour commissioners will then be in a position to go out to tender.
Can the Minister give any indication as to how soon his examination of these documents will be completed?
The examination is a complicated technical process which will be carried out for the Department by the Office of Public Works. I have asked the Office of Public Works to expedite the examination of the documents as much as possible with a view to permitting the necessary action to be taken whereby the Galway Harbour Commissioners can go to tender.
In view of the fact that a considerable amount of examination has taken place over the period which he has indicated, would the Minister not agree that the period now required to complete the examination should be short?
I do not think Galway will lose by an examination of the alternative bases of tender so as to ensure that whatever is done is the best that can be done, having regard to the technical difficulties to be encountered. I will take every possible step to expedite the examination of the documents with a view to facilitating the invitation of tenders.
Would the Minister permit himself to state a date?
I would commit myself to a date if I were examining the documents myself, but when other people are examining the documents, I cannot.