asked the Minister for Supplies whether, now that coal may be shipped from South Wales ports, which are practically equidistant from Cork and Dublin, and in view of the efficient unloading facilities available at Cork and the saving of wagons, needed by the railways for the harvest traffic, he will have coal cargoes from those ports directed to Cork port.
Written Answer. - Coal Cargoes for Cork Port.
Following the reopening of Bristol Channel ports to Irish coal-carrying ships the question of using ports other than Dublin was reviewed. As only comparatively small quantities of coal are provided from Bristol Channel ports relatively few shipments are involved. It is frequently necessary to send ships which have discharged cargoes of Welsh coal to Scottish or English ports for their next cargoes. On consideration of distance alone it would not be the most economical use of our limited shipping facilities to send such ships to Cork. Apart from this difficulty, I understand that, while the Bristol Channel ports are practically equidistant from Cork and Dublin, most of the ships at present engaged on the coal trade would lose considerable time if bad weather should be encountered in making the voyage to and from Cork. This consideration is of particular importance during the winter months. As long as it remains necessary to secure the quickest possible turn round of the ships I do not consider that I would be justified in arranging for the assignment of Irish coal-carrying vessels for discharge at Cork.