asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he accepts that the proposed car-ferry service from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead will be of national importance so far as tourist promotion is concerned; and whether he will now reconsider the request for some considerable financial contribution from Dún Laoghaire Corporation towards the cost of the terminal installation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Car Ferry Service.
20.
The proposed car ferry service will be of national importance to the tourist industry, but it will have special significance for Dún Laoghaire only if the terminal is located there.
The most readily available and satisfactory site in Dún Laoghaire harbour from the navigational, economic and operational points of view for the permanent car ferry terminal would be at the East Pier. In response, however, to the strong representations of Dún Laoghaire Corporation and other local interests that the selection of that site would seriously interfere with local amenities, the Government decided not to locate the permanent terminal there. In view of the fact that it was estimated that the choice of a site other than the East Pier would increase the cost of the terminal by about £130,000, the Government also decided that Dún Laoghaire Corporation should be asked to meet the extra cost. The Corporation agreed to review the matter when the position in regard to the permanent terminal had been finally determined and in the circumstances I see no reason to reconsider the request made to them.
Further examination has indicated that a full investigation of other possible sites in Dún Laoghaire Harbour would involve a delay of nearly two years. This would mean that a permanent terminal could not be provided earlier than 1968 and that the East Pier would have to be used as a temporary terminal until then. On the other hand it has been confirmed that the St. Michael's Wharf site offers adequate facilities to meet the traffic in the foreseeable future. In the circumstances, it has been decided to proceed with the construction of the permanent terminal at St. Michael's Wharf. It is hoped that the permanent terminal will be usable by 1966. The East Pier will then be fully restored as quickly as possible to its original condition and use.
Am I correct in assuming that this is merely a request to the Dún Laoghaire Corporation and that the Minister has no power to levy any charge on the Corporation in respect of this installation in the harbour?
It certainly is a request. I do not think there is power at present to impose a levy on the Corporation but, if necessary, I assume the Minister could take that power.
A horrible suggestion.
That was a boomerang.