asked the Minister for Supplies whether in view of the acute hardship and isolation which will result to the island dwellers by the cutting off of the service of the steamer between the Aran Islands and the mainland owing to shortage of coal supplies, he will make immediate arrangements to have the necessary coal reserved to ensure the continuance of this essential service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Aran Islands Steamer Service.
The Galway Bay Steamboat Company normally import their coal directly, but recently they have experienced some difficulty in procuring direct imports to meet their requirements. A permit authorising them to purchase coal within the State was accordingly issued to them on the 4th of this month, and it is understood that they have since been able to secure a supply which will meet immediate needs.