asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the very bad cross-Channel passenger conditions which now exist, he will take steps to have facilities improved before the peak travelling time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Channel Passenger Service.
To suggest that the conditions normally prevailing on cross-Channel shipping services can be fairly described as very bad is not only incorrect but detrimental to tourist trade prospects. Difficulties which arose were confined to a comparatively few occasions during the peak of the holiday season. I am, of course, very much concerned to secure the elimination of all difficulties and to ensure that facilities are provided to cope adequately for a steadily expanding traffic. To minimise the risk of these difficulties recurring I understand that the following measures have been taken by British Railways for the summer of 1957:—
(a) more effective sailing ticket arrangements aimed at reducing wastage of sailing tickets and obviating disappointment for intending travellers;
(b) the provision on the Dún Laoghaire-Hoyhead route of 11 sailings in the summer period of 1957 additional to those provided in the same period of 1956 (six extra sailings inwards and five outwards);
(c) the provision on the Fishguard-Rosslare route of two inward sailings additional to those provided in the 1956 season.
Furthermore, work on the improvement of passenger handling facilities has been put into progress at Dún Laoghaire Pier.