asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his Department have examined the possibilities of operating hovercraft between Ireland and Britain; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Channel Hovercraft Service.
8.
The development of hovercraft is kept under close review in my Department.
Apart from a general study of the situation, the B & I are watching developments in this field with particular attention to the possibilities that hovercraft may offer for cross-Channel services, and they have had a preliminary study carried out on their behalf by a leading British hovercraft manufacturer.
The current assessment of both the B & I and my Department is that it is not feasible to use hovercraft, at their present stage of development, for operation under Irish sea conditions.