asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the existing car ferry services between Ireland and Britain are adequate for the demand; and, if not, whether it is proposed to provide additional services during the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Ferry Services.
9.
The operation of the cross-channel shipping services is a matter for the shipping companies concerned but I am of course concerned that the services are adequate to cope with the expanding tourist traffic. I understand that British Rail are providing for additional sailings by the car ferry vessel on the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire route this year and are also providing increased capacity on the Fishguard-Rosslare route. As a result of this improvement of services, I would expect that the total numbers of cars entering the State by sea this year should reach about 70,000, compared with 47,000 in 1966, but it is likely that the demand will exceed capacity on particular dates during the months of June, July and August.
The British and Irish Steam Packet Co. Ltd. have announced that they will introduce a modern car ferry vessel on the Liverpool-Dublin route in May, 1968 and I also understand that British Rail intend to introduce an additional car ferry vessel on the Holyhead-Dún Laoghaire route next year.