asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is prepared to establish Lough Swilly, County Donegal, as a free port.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers (Resumed). - Free Port.
77.
I have received no proposals for the establishment of Lough Swilly as a free port.
Would the Minister consider the advisability of such a venture on the north-west coast, particularly as this would be the European transhipment link with the Continent of America? Is it not well worth considering at this juncture even though it might be some time before it would be fully utilised?
I understand that this was examined on four or five occasions since the foundation of the State and on each occasion there was no support. On one occasion the answer that came back from an inter-departmental committee was that when they canvassed support for such a project there seemed to be no support for it. It was ruled out on all those occasions for this reason, and I understand the position is no different today.
Would the Minister not take into consideration that things are very different today? Indeed, information that is being sought on a later question here today may throw some light on this particular bay, because there is a very live proposition that will create a great deal of shipping up there by way of a proposed oil refinery, which is only the beginning of the development there. Times are changing. That is the point I am making.
I appreciate that, but if the proposed oil refinery does go to Lough Swilly, I can say from some personal experience in my own part of the country, although it may generate extra shipping, certainly it would be nothing that would warrant the establishment of a free port in the area.
I am not hanging it on that alone; I am merely referring to the changing pattern, a pattern that will continue to change.
If I thought there was any future in it, I would certainly be willing to look at it.