asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is considerable disappointment in the East Wall area over the comparatively small amount of employment being provided by the new graving dock, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment at Dublin Graving Dock.
The level of utilisation of the new graving dock and the employment afforded by it must, of course, depend on the success of the efforts to secure business by the ship-repairing firms who use the dock.
I am informed by the Port and Docks Board that in the few months in which it has been in use, 15 vessels have used the new dock.
I understand that it is the practice of the owners of large fleets to arrange in the early months of the year their programme of overhauls for a period of 12 months ahead. I am advised that the Dublin ship-repairing interests are pursuing a vigorous campaign, by advertising and otherwise, to secure a share of this work, the volume of which might normally be expected to increase as the new dock becomes known to a wider circle of ship owners.