asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that Galway Port during the emergency has been virtually closed to shipping whilst other ports have been extensively used; if he will state the reasons for this, and if he will further state if it is now proposed to allocate to Galway its due share of Ireland's maritime trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Port.
A deputation from the public bodies of Galway discussed this matter with the Department of Industry and Commerce in March, 1943. It was explained to this deputation that the principal emergency factor affecting Galway was the need to operate vessels to the ports nearest the destinations of the bulk of their cargoes so as to secure the quickest turn-round of vessels and to save internal transport.
More recently, a shortage of shipping for cross-Channel traffic has made it necessary to confine vessels to the shortest sea routes, irrespective of internal transport.
It is not possible to indicate when a change may be anticipated.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he not aware that some of the stuff that is coming at the moment into the ports of Dublin and Cork is being sent overland to Galway? For the saving of transport overland, would he not consider directing that some of the boats should go to Galway port, especially in view of the fact that owing to the position at Galway docks he had to grant a loan some time ago to pay the salary of the harbour master there? Would the Minister not consider sending one or two small boats to the Galway port? In so far as shipping to the western area is concerned, it would be more suitable to have the boats going to Galway than coming to Dublin.
The main problem of importing goods across Channel at the moment is the scarcity of shipping. It is clear, therefore, that we must endeavour to make the fullest possible use of the shipping available, and that means operating it to the nearest port, irrespective of the internal transport involved.
Is not Galway nearer to some of those places than Dublin or Cork?
In so far as transatlantic ships are concerned, there are other considerations, including the speed at which boats can be discharged and turned round.
Would the Minister not consider doing something for Galway?
I see no immediate prospect of a change in the conditions which would permit of an alteration in the present practice.