asked the Minister for Transport and Power when he intends to invite members of the Arklow Harbour Board, dockers and other interested groups to meet him to discuss problems at Arklow port.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Arklow Port.
18.
I have received from the Arklow Harbour Commissioners two detailed reports prepared for the commissioners on the prospects for trade, industry and employment for the port, town and hinterland of Arklow. These reports were submitted to me in support of an application for a State grant for a harbour improvement scheme.
The commissioners' application has been the subject of a number of discussions held with them in my Department, the most recent of which took place at the end of January last. Examination of the application is now nearing completion and further meetings are not required.
Would the Minister say when he intends to honour the promise made a year ago at the Arklow Chamber of Commerce dinner to sit around a table and have discussions with the interests in the port?
I have done this.
(Interruptions.)
Since then I have met the representatives of the Arklow Chamber of Commerce and the Harbour Commissioners. I met them personally and discussed the various alternatives with them. I will be glad to meet them again. There are very, very real difficulties in making the money available. I can tell the Deputy that.
Does the Minister know that a number of people are not aware that he has met those interests, and that there are other interests besides the ones mentioned who have a stake in the port, such as dockers?
There are the dockers, Nítrigin Éireann, the Harbour Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce, but if a more comprehensive meeting than the meeting I have already held is required, it will be held.
When did the Minister meet these people during the year?
It would be some months ago now.
If the dockers put on a dinner for the Minister would he go down to it?
Please Deputy. Will you grow up and be your age? I am afraid that is impossible.
(Interruptions.)