asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of cars which came through Rosslare port for each of the last five years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rosslare Car Ferry.
44.
Mr. Browne
The number of cars carried inwards through Rosslare were:
|
Year |
Number |
|
1964 |
11,149 |
|
1965 |
16,852 |
|
1966 |
15,842 |
|
1967 |
26,856 |
|
1968 |
32,277 |
|
1969 (to 31st October) |
33,692 |
45.
Mr. Browne
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the total expenditure by CIE to date on the construction of the car ferry at Rosslare harbour; and if the company has any further plans for future development at the port.
Total expenditure by CIE to date on the construction of car ferry facilities at Rosslare Harbour is £240,000.
CIE anticipate that further capital expenditure will be necessary at Rosslare Harbour to cope with the increasing throughput of cars, the growing number of continental passengers without cars and the growth in rollon roll-off freight operations. The board proposes, before next season, to improve the access road and the waiting room accommodation and to provide additional public car parking space.
Is the Minister aware of the inadequacy of the immigration arrangements and facilities at Rosslare which has led to delays in clearing 100 passengers of up to 2¼ hours last summer? Are any steps being taken to deal with this matter?
I understand they are going to improve the waiting room accommodation there. There is a general plan over the next five years under which they anticipate spending a further £230,000 which provides eventually for a terminal building, for other schemes, a new road, bridge and so on. I have no information indicating that such delays were experienced. Before the general election I certainly had no complaints of people waiting an excessive time but I shall refer the Deputy's statement to the present Minister to see if he can inquire into it.
Perhaps, the Minister is not aware that the delays are not due to lack of accommodation but to the fact that only one inexperienced immigration officer was available who took 2¼ hours regularly to clear 100 passengers?
The Minister for Transport and Power will inquire into it on the Deputy's complaint.
Thank you.