asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is yet in a position to indicate the final decision regarding the building of a terminal for a car ferry service at Dún Laoghaire; and, if so, if he will indicate its nature.
36.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Car Ferry Terminal.
35.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will make a further statement with regard to the provision of a car ferry terminal at Dún Laoghaire.
37.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether a final decision has yet been reached as to the siting of the terminal for the proposed car-ferry service at Dún Laoghaire; and whether full account has been taken of the injustice of forcing the National Yacht Club to vacate their present premises and moorings, and of the need to provide an adequate road system to cater for the additional traffic.
I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 35, 36 and 37 together.
The Government have decided that the permanent Irish terminal for the proposed British Railways car ferry from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire should be constructed at a site other than the East Pier. Investigations will be carried out by the Office of Public Works to determine the suitability of St. Michael's Wharf for the purpose and also the possibility of some other alternative suitable sites being available in the harbour.
The ferry service is scheduled to commence in May, 1965. It would not be possible to have a permanent terminal sufficiently advanced before that date at any site other than the East Pier. Temporary facilities not involving reclamation of the seabed or interference with yachting facilities will have to be provided in the interim period at the East Pier.
What does the Minister mean by the interim period? Has he any idea how long that may be?
Until the Commissioners for Public Works have made a final decision on the site, it would be impossible for me to say, but I should think it will be about two or three years.
Can the Minister say when work is likely to commence?
I am not able to say that.