asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that radio contact with ships is extremely unsatisfactory in the north-west coastal area; that ships lying off Rathmullen and Donegal and ships in Sligo Bay have to be communicated with via Scottish radio stations at Oban and Wick and thence by land telephone via Glasgow; and if he will indicate any plans he has for the improvement of the Irish service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shipping Radio Service.
22.
I take it the Deputy is referring to the absence of link call facilities at Malin Head coast radio station. These facilities are used mainly for commercial purposes and the demand for them at present is not such as to render their provision an economically viable proposition. Link call facilities are being provided at Valentia coast radio station and I will be prepared to consider further the provision of similar facilities at Malin Head in the light of experience of their use at Valentia. Communications direct between Malin Head coast radio station and ships at sea are satisfactory for safety purposes and further improvements are being carried out.
Two years ago a ship was in Sligo Bay with its propeller fouled and the only way contact could be made with the owner and a tug provided to save that ship and crew was through Glasgow and Oban or Wick stations. In fact, there are no proper radio stations in operation on the north-west coast of Ireland and there is grave danger and also grave inconvenience is caused to commercial interests which want to contact ships reaching port and cannot do so. Will the Minister not further consider the situation and provide radio contact of proper strength at Malin Head on a commercial basis?
I have no information on the distress situation to which the Deputy refers.
As the Minister concerned is not present I shall not raise the matter on the Adjournment but I may do so on another day.