asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether CIE has reconsidered its policy towards the continuance of the Shannon cruises.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Cruises.
12.
As indicated in my reply to a previous question on this subject on 8th May, 1973, CIE consider that the purpose of their initial involvement in cruises on the Shannon has been achieved and that such services should no longer be operated by the board. CIE entered into negotiations, therefore, with local development interests in Athlone and Killaloe, who had expressed interest in taking over the services, but for a number of reasons no agreement was reached for a transfer of the services.
In the circumstances, CIE, at my request, have agreed to operate one boat from Athlone this season on the understanding that I will arrange to have examined the possibility of the deficit incurred being met by some source other than CIE and that this will be the last year that CIE will be expected to operate the service.
I should hope that before next season negotiations for the transfer of the two boats to local interests will have been finalised.
Is the Minister aware that the people involved in tourist development in the Killaloe-Ballina area are very aggrieved and aggravated by the fact that CIE have decided to give first-class treatment to the upper reaches of the Shannon and in an area where efforts are being made to develop tourism the people are being completely ignored? In the light of this aggravation and upset to the people in these areas I ask the Minister to reconsider the question especially in view of the fact that the Kieran, the second boat, is serviceable and available at Killaloe for the July-August-September season.
I will take up the matter again with CIE.