Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 7

Written Answers. - Aran Islands Ferry.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

131 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if he will outline in relation to the new ferry being built to serve the Aran Islands (1) the name and place in Britain where the vessel is being built, (2) the expected date of delivery of the vessel to Galway, (3) the estimated cost of the vessel, (4) a breakdown of the way the costs will be met, (5) the Government contribution to this cost, (6) the size, type and makers of the engines being fitted to the vessel and (7) the name of the agents in Ireland or England handling the sale of the engines; and if the plans of the ships layout are available for inspection.

Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications (Mr. S. Brennan)

In December 1990, following a public tendering process, the Government approved the placing of a contract with the Doolin Ferry Company Limited for the provision of a cargo/passenger ferry service between Galway and the Aran Islands for a period of five years at an annual cost to the Exchequer of £475,000. The annual Exchequer subsidy payable is in respect of the provision of a year round ferry service between Galway and the Aran Islands.

On 1 April 1991 the contractor commenced the operation of the new ferry service between Galway and the Aran Islands using an upgraded cargo vessel. This interim service, which already marks a significant improvement on the quality and frequency of previous services, is being provided by the contractor pending the completion of a new vessel, custom built for the contractor to meet the requirements of the new cargo/passenger ferry service.

I understand that the new vessel is likely to be available for the service by early September 1992. There is no Exchequer contribution to the cost of this vessel.

Details of the construction and layout of the new vessel, together with the financial and construction arrangements, the size, type and makers of engines on the vessel and the agents handling the sale of engines for the vessel are matters for the ferry operator.