asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been drawn to reports that hovercraft ferries for passengers and cars may be introduced for the Irish Sea crossing; and whether any negotiations have taken place, or are about to take place, with regard to the provision of such a service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hovercraft Ferry Services.
22.
I have seen newspaper reports of the type to which the Deputy refers. I am not aware of any negotiations for the provision of a hovercraft service for the Irish Sea crossing. As I indicated in reply to a question by the Deputy on 28th March, 1963, the possibility of using hovercraft on the cross-Channel passenger service is being kept under review by my Department. The most recent information available indicates that hovercraft are still in the experimental stage.