asked the Minister for Transport when the water bus service on the River Liffey in Dublin city, as promised by Fine Gael prior to the general election will be inaugurated; if any navigational problems have been foreseen in respect to operating the vehicle when the tide is at low ebb; and if it will be possible for the water bus to pass under the various bridges at full tide.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Liffey Water Bus Service.
16.
(Cavan-Monaghan): Fine Gael, in its programme for Dublin, made a number of proposals for improvement of the River Liffey west of Dublin port, particularly the reduction of pollution. When the water quality of the river had been sufficiently improved, it was hoped that methods of using the river could be devised, including the possibility of a water bus service.
That is the joke of the day or the joke of the week.
The Minister said this would have to wait until the quality of the water improved and I should like to know if it could not sail in dirty water.
One would have to have a sense of humour listening to that answer. Dublin Opinion at its best.
What about gondolas? Would they suit?
The Minister had difficulty in keeping a straight face when reading that reply.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It is good to see such mirth and laughter on the Opposition side from people who left the country in such a mess. It is definitely brave because I never thought they would be able to laugh again. They should be in mourning.
We never said we would put gondolas on the Liffey.
Is it true that the swans on the Liffey have asked for a change of clothing?
I should like to know if this matter was put before the Gaiety Theatre conference? If ever one heard of Gaels of Laughter this is it. I should like to ask the Minister if CIE will operate this service?
(Cavan-Monaghan): That would be one of the proposals. I should like to tell the Deputy, who introduced the Gaiety Theatre, that this proposal is naturally a long term one.
It is good for four elections.
Does it come under the youth employment scheme?
(Cavan-Monaghan): If the Deputies took the trouble to read the Gaiety Theatre document they would see it is not in it.
It is not because the Labour Party have more sense than to agree to such a nonsensical scheme as this.
This earth-shaking scheme must be probed further. I should like to know if the vessel will be amphibious. Unless it is I cannot see it getting over the mud banks at Capel Street Bridge. How will it operate at low tide? I should like to know if it was Walt Disney who conceived this idea. If it is not in the Gaiety Theatre document I should like to know why it was announced as part of the election programme.
(Cavan-Monaghan): It could have been devised by Deputy Martin O'Donoghue.
It was not.
We all know what happened to that Deputy.
Has the Minister appointed a skipper for this vessel yet?
(Cavan-Monaghan): I would consider offering the job to the Deputy.
Former Deputy Paddy Donegan is being called back. I should like to know if the name of the former Minister for Defence has been mentioned as skipper for this gondola by the Government.
(Cavan-Monaghan): I will think of Deputy Brian Lenihan who would make a good jolly sailor.
Where will the gondolas be built? Will Verolme be able to build them?
With the permission of the Chair, I should like to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
I will communicate with the Deputy.