asked the Minister for Transport and Power if it is his intention to request the Galway Harbour Board to re-advertise for the proposed harbour development scheme, or to accept the next highest tender.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Harbour Development.
18.
The Galway Harbour Commissioners have twice advertised for tenders for the proposed Harbour Scheme for which Government grants to a maximum of £340,000 were authorised between 1951 and 1953, but have not succeeded in securing an acceptable tender. I have the whole position under active consideration but I am not yet in a position to take a decision.
Could the Minister indicate when he may hope to have a decision on this matter?
I should think sometime before Christmas, or a little later.
Would the Minister be prepared to meet a deputation on this matter before he comes to a decision?
I shall consider that and all the implications involved.
Is the Minister aware that, according to Press reports, certain prominent business people in Galway have recently questioned the advisability of proceeding with the scheme and, if so, will he state whether or not this expression of public opinion has in any way been a contributory cause of the hold-up in the scheme?
I am examining the whole position in regard to the scheme, and in regard to what happened in the previous period. I am not influenced by any reports in the newspapers.