asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the Galway Harbour Commissioners have recommended the acceptance of a tender for the improvement of the docks at Galway, and, if so, if he will state the reason for the delay in sanctioning the tender.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Harbour Improvements.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether the Galway Harbour Commissioners have applied to him for permission to accept a certain tender for the execution of the second part of the scheme for the improvement of their harbour, and, if so, when he received the application, and when the commissioners will be notified of his decision.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
A grant from State funds is being made available to meet the cost of the partial deepening of the commercial dock at Galway and the acceptance of a tender for the work is subject to the approval of the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
At the end of May last the Galway Harbour Commissioners informed me that they had accepted a recommendation by their consulting engineer in favour of the acceptance of a tender for the full deepening of the dock. That tender had been amended and increased subsequent to submission.
The proposal of the Galway Harbour Commissioners has been very carefully examined both in my Department and by the Commissioners of Public Works, who advise me in such matters. I am advised that in the circumstances of the case the proper course would be to re-advertise the contract. It is a matter of regret to me that there should be any delay in proceeding with the work at Galway, but since a very substantial grant from public funds is involved I am satisfied that there is no alternative. I have already communicated this decision to the Galway Harbour Commissioners.