asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the number of ships on the Dublin-Holyhead cargo and livestock service has in recent years been reduced progressively from five to two, and that goods which would normally be shipped on this line have been diverted to the Belfast-Heysham service; and whether in view of the fact that serious consequent redundancy will arise among the staff employed on this route he proposes to take any steps by way of consultation with the companies concerned or otherwise to ensure that the services between Dublin and Holyhead are fully maintained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Holyhead Cargo and Livestock Service.
42.
The operation of shipping services is a matter for the shipping companies concerned. I understand, however, that the ban on certain types of container traffic at Dublin port has resulted in diversion of traffic to other ports and that this has resulted in reductions in the services on the Dublin/Holyhead route provided by British Railways. I have received no complaints that the Company's present services are inadequate to handle any cargo offering which is not affected by the container ban, and I am informed that the Company have never refused or diverted any such cargo.