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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Apr 1968

Vol. 233 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare Container Traffic.

6.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power what prospects there are for container traffic to Rosslare Harbour, County Wexford in the near or immediate future.

The provision of a container service to Rosslare Harbour is a matter for the operators of shipping services in consultation with CIE who are responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Harbour. I understand that Normandy Ferries (Irish Continental Line) are considering the possibility of carrying container traffic on the Rosslare-Le Havre service which is to start operations next month.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the possibility of diverting container traffic to the ships of the B & I through Rosslare Harbour? No doubt he is aware that the absence of container traffic has been responsible for a good deal of unemployment in the area?

The question of diverting service to Rosslare hardly arises because this is left to the people operating this type of service. I do not think it would be right or proper for me to suggest a diversion of container traffic as suggested by the Deputy.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary know what the policy of British Railways is in the matter of container traffic? Is he not aware that it appears to be the policy of British Railways to diminish container traffic at this port?

I do not think there is any question of diminishing container traffic to this port at present because British Railways are not operating any container traffic to Rosslare. All of their traffic is being operated through Waterford Harbour. The question I was asked was what prospects there are and I stated that there is a prospect at the moment from the point of view that Normandy Ferries are considering the possibility of carrying container traffic on the new Rosslare-Le Havre service.

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