asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the grave dissatisfaction felt in Cork and the south of Ireland by motorists and motor traders at the unsatisfactory arrangements for the distribution of petrol, resulting as it has been, in frequent famines of petrol; and if he proposes to compel the distributors to carry out suitable arrangements for prompt petrol deliveries in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Distribution of Petrol.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that motor car owners and lorry owners have great difficulty in procuring petrol in West Cork; and if he will take all necessary steps immediately to remedy this situation.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce, in view of the serious position prevailing in Cork City and district arising from scarcity of petrol and of the inconveniences and hardships caused to clergy, professional, commercial and other interests and of the hold-up in deliveries of fertilisers and seeds to farmers and grain growers, he will take the necessary steps to ensure that such a position will not recur, and that in future deliveries of petrol to this important distributing centre be more regular.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the frequent serious shortages of petrol and kerosene in Cork, he will make arrangements for the direct supply of both by ocean-going tankers; if he is aware that Cork Harbour Oil Wharves Company, Limited, have five large tanks on Haulbowline capable of storing 16,000 tons of oil; and whether, with a view of saving rail transport and preventing the hold-up of urgent spring work by farmers, he will take all possible steps to keep these tanks full.
I propose to take questions Nos. 1 to 4 together. In reply, I would refer the Deputies to the statements I made in Dáil Éireann on the 22nd January in reply to questions of a similar character in relation to kerosene. I explained that the delays in the delivery of petroleum products were due to the fact that, while the supplies available had increased considerably, there had not been a corresponding increase in the facilities at the disposal of the oil companies for distribution purposes. In particular, I referred to the shortage of tank cars and to the difficulty of arranging for sea-borne deliveries to Cork and other ports.
As a result of representations which I had made to the appropriate authorities in Great Britain, it has been arranged that extra rail tank cars will be provided for the oil companies but, owing to transport difficulties due to weather conditions in England, delivery of these cars has been delayed.
I had representations made also with a view to arranging for sea-borne deliveries to Cork and other ports, and I have been informed in reply that, although there is a shortage of the smaller type of tanker for which there are berthing facilities at Cork and these other ports, every effort will be made to facilitate us. In fact, deliveries have been made, on several occasions recently, by tanker to Cork and also to Foynes and Sligo. I understand from the oil companies, whose responsibility it is to make these arrangements, that a small tanker called at Cork on Thursday last and that further deliveries will be made by this tanker. As regards the possibility of arranging for ocean-going tankers to call at Cork, I am advised that, while storage accommodation is available at Haulbowline, the jetty at which tankers would have to discharge is unsafe and in need of repairs. I am having inquiries made to see whether it would be possible to carry out these repairs expeditiously, with a view to arranging for deliveries by a large tanker.
With regard to the Cork distribution depôt, I am advised by the oil companies that the stocks at this depôt have now been replenished and that deliveries are being made throughout the area served by this depôt.
In times of scarcity, would the Minister consider directing the oil companies to utilise their own lorries for carrying the oil from here instead of having them idle?
I am sure the oil companies will endeavour to ensure that their distribution equipment is fully utilised. I do not know what difficulties there might be in carrying out the arrangements suggested by the Deputy.
Has the Minister made any inquiries about a similar question I put yesterday about tank wagons being left idle for days by C.I.E. at the sidings?
That is a different question.
It is happening.
Have not appeals been made several times during the past five years to have the pier at Haulbowline repaired? That has not been done but up to the present it would be very easy to discharge even an ocean-going tanker there.
I gather it would not be safe to bring up a large tanker there.
Deputy Corry is not correct.