asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make appropriate representations for an improved rail and sea service between here and Great Britain for the Christmas period with a view to eliminating the discomfort and hardship experienced by travellers in former years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Christmas Cross-Channel Services.
41.
I have lost no opportunity to press, in conjunction with Bord Fáilte, for improvement in the services in question.
I am informed that extra sailings, with extra connecting trains, will operate on the Dún Laoghaire and Rosslare routes over the Christmas period this year. Passenger capacity will be available for about double the number of passengers carried in the same period last year. Further sailings will be provided if necessary.
The Minister mentioned the Dún Laoghaire and Rosslare services. Are any corresponding increases being made on the Liverpool line?
I have no information about any specific increases on the Liverpool line.
Perhaps the Minister would inquire whether the British and Irish Steampacket Company, Limited, propose to emulate the example of the shipping companies which are doubling their carrying capacity during this season at Dún Laoghaire and Rosslare?
I can make an inquiry. I do not think they intend to do so.
I shall read, probably later, for the Minister a description of conditions obtaining on that line last Christmas and last summer which I think would suggest that some measures of that kind are desirable.
I have already given some explanations in regard to that criticism.
That makes them comfortable.