asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that since the new bridge was erected in Haulbowline, County Cork the commercial transport company serving both Haulbowline and Spike island have restricted the number of boats on passenger service, with the result that people resident on the island and working on the mainland find it impossible to get to and from their employment; and if in the circumstances he will allow these people to travel on the naval launches.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport for Spike Island Residents.
29.
It was the practice, before the bridge referred to by the Deputy was built, to allow people resident on Spike Island to travel to Haulbowline and the mainland on Naval Service launches. This practice is still being followed.
The residents are also allowed to use a passenger service between Cobh and Spike Island, which has been in operation since December, 1965, in accordance with a contract then made by this Department with a commercial company.
Is the Minister aware that the families of the tenants in the houses he has alluded to have now to look for lodgings in Cobh, due to the lack of transport from Spike Island? Will he see to it that these people can travel in the launches?
The service is still in operation—the service between Haulbowline and the mainland. If the Deputy will bring to my notice the particulars of the cases which he is interested in, I will have the matter investigated. I am not in a position to pinpoint exactly where the difficulty lies in this matter. If I get particulars of the exact circumstances which the Deputy has in mind, I will have the matter investigated.
The circumstances I have in mind are very clear. There is a married sergeant and his family living in one of these houses I have alluded to who will probably have to leave the island. Because of the change in the transport arrangements since the new bridge was put up, his two sons have to go over and take lodgings in the town of Cobh in order to keep their employment. After all, the taxpayers are paying for them.
I will have that matter investigated.