Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 6

Written Answers. - Merchant Shipping Fleet.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

43 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine the estimated size of the strategic Irish merchant shipping fleet in terms of (a) the number of ships and (b) tonnage in (a) 1989, (b) 1979 and (c) 1969; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

Before 1973 fishing vessels were included in the calculation of Irish registered tonnage. Consequently a separate figure for merchant ships for the year 1969 is unavailable. The total for 1973 is accordingly porvided instead. The information is as follows:

	Number of ships	Tonnage (GRT)	Tonnage (DWT)
1973	58	217,734	N/A
1979	56	182,582	220,675
1989	76	134,533	168,718

The decline in tonnage over the period has been due to a number of factors. The liquidation of Irish Shipping Limited in November 1984 resulted in the removal of more than 127,000 deadweight tons from the Irish register. The continuing trend towards the use of container ships has also resulted in the more efficient utilisation of cargo space.

In 1987, a package of incentives was introduced to encourage investment and expansion in the shipping industry. The Shipping Investment Grants Act, 1987, provides for the payments of grants of up to 25 per cent of the total cost of the purchase of new and second hand ships up to seven years old. In addition corporation tax levied on shipping companies has been reduced from 50 per cent to 10 per cent and shipowners have access to business expansion scheme funding. Companies may also seek funding from the National Development Corporation.

The combined effect of these incentives and the general increase in demand has resulted in a 20 per cent increase in the carrying capacity of the fleet since mid-1987.

A feasibility study is under way which will examine the question of access transport requirements. The outcome of that study will assist in determining future policy in relation to shipping.