asked the Minister for Transport and Power if his attention has been drawn to a statement that the car ferry Dover will not be available for the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire route as originally intended; if the car ferry will be available; and, if not, if he has any plans to offset this possible dislocation in car ferry service between this country and the UK in the forthcoming tourist season.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Dún Laoghaire-Holyhead Ferry.
7.
The adequacy of the cross-channel shipping services is the subject of regular consultation between Bord Fáilte and the operators of the services. As regards the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire service, I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the car ferry vessel Dover, which was to have commenced operation on the route on 11th July to supplement the Holyhead Ferry I, will not be available until 2nd August. I understand, however, that British Rail have arranged for the employment of an alternative vessel on the route during the period in question and Bord Fáilte have told me that they are satisfied that the tourist traffic will not be adversely affected to any significant extent.
I hope that the vessel the Minister mentions as replacing the Dover will not be taken from the Rosslare-Fishguard route.
No, in actual fact there has been a rearrangement of the ferry services on both routes and the St. David will be operating on the Rosslare-Fishguard service.
Therefore, there will be no reduction?