asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that the Bantry Bay Steamship Company, which runs the only public service for Castletown, Glengariff, Adrigole and Bere Island, will not be able to carry on beyond the present month through lack of coal; and if he will make available for this service some of the reserve stocks of coal under his control in view of the importance of the service to residents in the peninsula.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bantry Bay Steamship Company.
Representations have recently been made to my Department as to difficulties which are being experienced by the Bantry Bay Steamship Company in purchasing suitable coal for which they have been granted permits. Steam slack is practically the only coal now obtainable, and the company must make every effort to use this type of coal. I cannot undertake to make available any coal for the company out of the limited national reserve.
Perhaps the Minister could indicate whether it would be possible to organise a road service in that area in case the steamship service breaks down? A goods service from Bantry to Castletown would be very necessary.
That is a separate question.
I agree, but I suggest it is a corollary to the question I have asked. It is necessary that there should be some service for the people in that part of the country, which is so very remote.
I quite understand that.