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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1989

Vol. 389 No. 1

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Out-Shipping of Freight Units.

20.

asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the problem of out-shipping of freight units which has arisen since B & I replaced the St. Patrick on the Rosslare-Pembroke route, compounded by the backlog that has built up since the lashing problem first arose on 8 March 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The provision of services to and from Irish ports is a matter for the shipping companies involved.

I am aware of the backlog of freight units which developed at Rosslare following the withdrawal of the St. Patrick on completion of a charter contract to the B & I in early April and also as a result of disruption caused by industrial action.

While part of the problem arose through difficulty experienced by the B & I in securing a vessel to replace the St. Patrick, it was most disturbing that this should for a while have been compounded by industrial action at a time when the company are engaged in a radical recovery programme designed to restore them to commercial viability. Such action can only do damage to the company's prospects and it is imperative that all concerned work together to restore customer confidence quickly and to ensure that it is retained by providing uninterrupted and reliable service in the future.

While most freight units unable to use the B & I service were transferred to alternative routes, a backlog did arise through unaccompanied traffic which could not be diverted elsewhere. I am informed by B & I that they will have an additional freight vessel operating on the Rosslare-Pembroke route within the next few days. This, combined with the existing vessel, will exceed the capacity formerly available with the St. Patrick and will enable any remaining backlog to be dealt with speedily.

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