asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the replacement of the existing crane at Glengad pier, County Donegal by a new one.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Pier Crane.
42.
Mr. Kenny
There are no proposals for replacing the existing crane at Glengad pier but arrangements are being made to make it mechanically operable, by means of an electro-hydraulic system.
In view of the fact that some expenditure must be incurred in electrically motorising a fairly antiquated crane—which is not sufficient for the needs of the larger boats of today—would the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that, economically and otherwise, it would be much better to instal a new crane which would be already motorised?
Mr. Kenny
That would mean that the improvement scheme at Glengad pier would have to be changed considerably because the following works are already completed——
I did not ask for that; I know about that.
Mr. Kenny
Anyhow the last one would be the motorisation of the pier crane by means of an electro-hydraulic system. Item 4 has yet to be done. An order for the mechanically controlled gear for the crane was placed in March, 1974.
I know about that.
Mr. Kenny
I think it has gone a bit too far now to retract that.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree that it is just like putting a Rolls Royce engine into a model T Ford?
Mr. Kenny
I am afraid that the matter has gone too far because, from my information, delivery of this has been promised for the end of this month. What are we going to do? Send it back?
Buy a new crane to fit it.
Mr. Kenny
Or buy a new slip.
Seriously though, it is not a joke. This is a serious matter.
Mr. Kenny
It is not a joke to the extent of £42,000.
Not if it is going to be ineffective.
Mr. Kenny
I do not think it will be ineffective but it might be obsolete at the time.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.