asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that, while the proposal to establish the car-ferry service in Dún Laoghaire is welcomed, there is considerable concern at the effect this proposal will have on the amenities at Dún Laoghaire harbour; if he will ensure that permanent or temporary ferry service facilities will not interfere with the amenities; and if he will also arrange that any development work will be carried out in consultation with the Dún Laoghaire Corporation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire Car-Ferry Service.
26.
The provision of an interim car ferry terminal at the East Pier will interfere temporarily with the amenities of portion of the lower deck of the pier and with yacht mooring facilities. This interference is inevitable because the East Pier is the only site in Dún Laoghaire Harbour where the temporary facilities can be got ready in time for the commencement of the car-ferry service in May, 1965. As I have indicated on a number of occasions, the pier will be restored to its original condition and use when the permanent terminal is ready.
I announced in reply to a Dáil Question on 28th April last that the permanent terminal will be located at St. Michael's Wharf and it is hoped to have it usable by 1966. This site was chosen to obviate interference with local amenities.
The completion of the works at both sites will still permit the provision of yacht moorings in the harbour to the same extent as a present.
Dún Laoghaire Corporation are being consulted at every stage of the planning of the temporary and permanent car-ferry terminals.
Is the Minister in a position to say what the cost of the temporary terminal will be? Is it a fact that it is suggested by his Department that the cost should be borne by the Dún Laoghaire ratepayers?
The Government decided that Dún Laoghaire Corporation should be asked to make a contribution towards the construction of the pier and the provision of temporary facilities owing to the fact that it should increase very largely the number of persons staying in Dún Laoghaire. Certainly, having regard to the fact that when the ferry is running at full stretch, the first vessel will leave at 6.15 a.m. and the last at 11.45 p.m., it should offer an ideal opportunity to the Dún Laoghaire Tourist Association to encourage people to stay there to see Dublin, to take advantage of the amenities there or spend some time there on their way through to other parts of the country. The extra cost of the temporary facilities will be roughly £100,000, of which £25,000 will be recoverable.
From British Railways?
No, disposable materials.
Surely it is inequitable to suggest that in regard to this ferry, which will be a national ferry, the burden of paying for it should fall on the Dún Laoghaire ratepayers? Hitherto, in any case of a national airport, it has not been suggested that the ratepayers of the particular locality should bear the cost.
As the Deputy knows. Dún Laoghaire Corporation have not denied that they derive value from the present sea and rail terminal. Dún Laoghaire is a resort which is closely connected with the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire service. It was felt they might contribute to some part of the costs. The total cost will probably be £710,000. While it is a truly productive enterprise in every sense of the term, the Government felt that Dún Laoghaire Corporation ought to be willing to make some contribution. They suggested the figure of the additional cost of providing the temporary facilities, pending the provision of the final pier. It is a matter for Dún Laoghaire Corporation to consider what contribution they can make towards something bound to increase the number of bed-night occupancies. They have been asked to propose a contribution.
I take it that is one of the matters that still has to be considered by the Minister's Department and Dún Laoghaire Corporation?
It is. In fact, it would require legislation.