asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to a recent statement by the chairman of the Irish Livestock Exporters Association in which he expressed the view that the B & I line could no longer be relied on to play their part in the cattle export drive; if so, if he will indicate his views on this matter; and what plans, if any, are contemplated to improve cross-channel cattle transport.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cross-Channel Cattle Transport.
9.
I have seen press reports of the statement to which the Deputy refers.
The plans of the B & I Company for the carriage of livestock over the next number of years were announced in November last as part of the company's comprehensive freight plan. In accordance with these plans the company are prepared to provide a guaranteed weekly capacity of 6,000 head of cattle on the Dublin-Birkenhead route. This provision which is well in excess of current demand indicates the willingness of the company to facilitate the livestock trade.
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the arrangements for the cross-channel transport of cattle are under continuous review by my colleague the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in conjunction with the various interests concerned including the B & I.
Is the Minister aware that B & I's intention to dismantle the cattle lairage at Cork port before new lairage is made available by the Cork Harbour Commissioners will have a very deleterious effect on cattle exports through Cork port? Can he do anything about it?
No decision has been made about that. It arose in connection with the general development of the port. B & I were making a certain technical examination of the actual subsoil, the foundations of the cattle lairage, if it was possible to provide a lairage elsewhere in the port. They have made no decision and they have told me that they will not make a decision to deprive the people of Cork of the lairage until a final decision is made in regard to the whole of that development and the future of the cattle trade.
Would the Minister be at pains to stress to B & I that they should not if possible dismantle this lairage until next May when the Cork Harbour Commissioners' lairage will be available?
I have already asked them to do that.