asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the economic disadvantage to the town of Cobh and disadvantages to industrialists anxious to start in the vicinity of Cork Harbour through the control of Cobh harbour being vested in the Cork Harbour Commissioners, he will consider the introduction of legislation to end such control at Blackrock Castle and to have a separate harbour authority for Cobh harbour and thus assist the advance of the economic and industrial life of both Cobh and Passage townships.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Cobh Harbour.
4.
The answer is "No". Cork Harbour Commissioners are statutorily responsible for the management, control and operation of their harbour which includes Cobh and I have every confidence in their administration of the port. I do not accept that the lack of a separate harbour authority for Cobh has inhibited in any way the economic and industrial development of the area.
I should like to point out to the Minister that on at least three occasions industries that would have meant a great deal to Cobh were "knocked down" by the Cork Harbour Commissioners when the question of harbour dues arose. One of those was a large fertiliser industry which afterwards was transferred to Arklow and Foynes. I was——
I take it that the Deputy has a question to put to the Minister?
I should also like to point out that cattle shipments at Cobh have practically been transferred altogether to Waterford port due to the high dues charged by those people. Cobh is practically stagnant at present.
The Deputy cannot be allowed to make a speech.
Very well; I will make it on the Adjournment.