asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the fact that, in addition to the existing bulk carriers and tankers, there are almost 300 bulk carriers and tankers being built all over the world with a draught of 50 feet or more, and that fully loaded none of the bulk carriers could dock in Britain or any European port, he will investigate the possibility of developing the Shannon Estuary as a major transhipment and break-of-bulk area; and if, in view of the industrial, social and economic benefits that would accrue from such a development because of the sheltered position of the estuary and the great depths of water available for the berthing of bulk carriers, he will favourably consider the widening and deepening of the bar at the mouth of the Shannon estuary.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shannon Estuary.
This is a matter which I am having investigated.
Does the Minister not agree that if this bar of sand were cleared away and the mouth of the Shannon estuary widened this would be the finest port in Europe and the industrial potential of the counties in the Shannon estuary, Kerry, Clare and Limerick would be tremendous?
I fully agree with the Deputy's observations in his supplementary question and that is why I am having this whole aspect thoroughly investigated at present. I am having it costed. If the bar at the mouth of the estuary were moved certainly everything postulated in the Deputy's question would arise and we would have an attractive transhipment harbour available to attract the foreign firms which have been decided already by Deputies in regard to Bantry Bay. We want more of those in and we feel the Shannon estuary is a logical place to attract such people for development in that area.
We want more of them in as long as they pay their port and tonnage dues like in Milford Haven.
That is a statement. Question No. 78.
Is the Minister aware that shipping companies have already investigated the Clare bank of the river with this in view and found it suitable? Is he further aware the only alternative port for this purpose in Great Britain and Ireland is the Clyde and since there is a report called "Oceanspan" already in being with regard to the feasibility of the Clyde would he have this investigated and the work carried out with all haste?
I appreciate fully what Deputy Barrett has said. He is right in his supplementary. I will expedite this report with a view to costing properly the removal of this sandbar at the mouth of the estuary which should make this into one of the finest ports in the world.
Can the Minister give us any idea when his investigation will be completed? In the meantime will he also investigate the combination of the estuarial authority which was sent to his Department some six to seven months ago?
I have had discussions on this aspect.
This estuarial authority?
Yes, indeed. This is a matter on which I will be making a further statement along with the other aspects.
When?
In due course.
Will the Minister give us any idea when he will be making this statement? We have been waiting for this for seven years.
Action is being taken in the matter.
When will a decision be made?
I cannot give any guarantee here about a statement. You must be responsible.
Indeed that comes very well from the Minister.