asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the considerable number of complaints made by passengers regarding the general conditions of transport both of cars and passengers on the Rosslare-Fishguard car ferry; and what plans CIE and British Railways have for improving this service in time for the coming tourist season, particularly in view of the increasing importance of this type of transport to the tourist industry.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare-Fishguard Car Ferry.
10.
I understand that there were some complaints about the service provided for the transport of cars and passengers on the Rosslare-Fishguard route during the 1966 tourist season. British Railways have informed me that these complaints arose from the fact that they were unsuccessful in chartering a suitable drive-on/drive-off car and passenger ship to augment the two regular vessels on the route during the 1966 season.
The ‘Duke of Rothesay', a modern stabiliser-equipped vessel, is being adapted to provide side-loading drive-on/drive-off facilities for 112 cars and will have ample cabins/berths/ seating accommodation for 1,400 passengers with lounge, cafeteria and bar facilities, first and second class. The ‘Duke of Rothesay', operating in conjunction with the ‘St. David', will provide an increase of approximately 30 per cent on the car capacity of the Rosslare-Fishguard route for the 1967 season, with drive-on/drive-off facilities on both vessels.
Improvements have also been carried out by CIE at Rosslare Harbour, including expanded car-parking accommodation with buffet and toilet facilities and the provision of a new perimeter road to facilitate incoming cars travelling to Wexford.
Is the ‘St. David' in a satisfactory condition?
As far as we know, it is.
The Parliamentary Secretary has no information about the ‘St. David'?
No.