asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of private cars entering the country (a) by land and (b) by sea during each month of 1959 to the latest available date, and comparative figures for 1958; and whether the increase can be attributed to the abolition of trip-tyques.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Entry of Private Cars.
As the answer includes a tabular statement I propose, with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the answer:—
NUMBERS of private vehicles entering the country.
1958 |
1959 |
||||
Month |
By Land |
By Sea |
Month |
By Land |
By Sea |
January |
87,132 |
104 |
January |
83,901 |
96 |
February |
86,037 |
138 |
February |
87,305 |
110 |
March |
141,792 |
290 |
March |
108,846 |
282 |
April |
118,669 |
393 |
April |
99,857 |
366 |
May |
133,539 |
889 |
May |
149,414 |
1,002 |
June |
135,593 |
1,389 |
June |
167,743 |
1,796 |
July |
172,307 |
2,564 |
July |
212,950 |
3,538 |
August |
173,269 |
2,114 |
August |
221,497 |
3,229 |
September |
139,869 |
747 |
September |
187,938 |
1,503 |
Totals |
1,188,207 |
8,628 |
Totals |
1,319,451 |
11,922 |
NOTE:—The figures include motor cycles, autocycles and scooters. They also include home based vehicles returning from visits outside the State.
As to the second part of the question it can reasonably be inferred that the increase in the numbers of vehicles entering the country as from May onwards is attributable largely to the simplified customs procedure then introduced. The exceptionally fine summer and a greater number of vehicles in use must also be taken into account as contributing to the increase.