asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that dues charged by the Cork Harbour Board for fertilisers are from 1/3 to 2/- per ton higher than those charged by other harbour authorities, and that the ships concerned could discharge their cargoes at Cobh if facilities were provided there; and, if so, if he will make representations to the board in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Harbour Dues.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that the cost of the constant dredging, which has to be carried out on the River Lee between Blackrock and Cork City, is largely responsible for the high harbour dues charged, he will request the Cork Harbour Board to operate a differential rate of dues in favour of vessels discharging cargo in Cobh and Cobh Harbour; further, if he will take steps to ensure that the Cork Harbour Board provide proper facilities for the discharge of cargoes.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
I understand that the Cork Harbour Commissioners have been legally advised that it is not within their powers to charge lower rates at Cobh than at Cork, even if they considered such a course to be justified.
The provision of any facilities that may be required at Cobh for the discharge of cargoes is a matter for the Cork Harbour Commissioners to whom any representations which the Deputy may wish to make should be addressed.
Question No. 3 has not been answered.
It has been answered.
Question No. 4 I mean.
Questions Nos. 4 and 5 were taken together.
I got no reply to Question No. 4, asking the Minister whether he is aware that dues charged by the Cork Harbour Board for fertilisers are from 1/3 to 2/- per ton higher than those charged by other harbour authorities and that the ships concerned could discharge their cargoes at Cobh if facilities were provided there. I should like the Minister to answer that.
Further arising out of the question, is the Minister aware that the dues charged in Cork would certainly be more than ten or 12 times the difference——
Is the Minister further aware that the difference in these dues, which, on account of his inactivity, I raised with his predecessor here on the 7th December, 1950, meant the loss of an industry to Cobh and that the actual dues charged are 2/9¾d. a ton for raw phosphates, 10d. a ton for coal, 2/6 a ton for wheat and 2/6 a ton for foreign barley and maize? These are the raw materials for the farmers' produce.
Hear, hear!
2/9¾ a ton as against 1/4 a ton in Dublin.
I hardly think that these statements are likely to popularise the use of the harbour.