asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any recent developments have taken place concerning the employment by the B & I line of hovercraft and hydrofoil vessels; and if he will make a statement on the possible future utilisation of these craft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hovercraft And Hydrofoils.
26.
The B & I company have set up a wholly owned subsidiary to investigate the feasibility of operating hovercraft, hydrofoils and other forms of transport with particular reference to the Irish Sea.
The current assessment of both the B & I company and my Department is that hovercraft and hydrofoils, at their present stage of development, are not suitable for commercial operation under Irish Sea conditions, but the whole matter is being kept under constant review with a view to taking advantage of any development that may take place in this field.
Can we take it then that a close watch is being kept on the development?
Very much so because it is potentially a fruitful development but at the present point in time it is not at the stage technologically where advantage could be taken of it.