asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he will request commercial importers of coal in the Dublin area to provide a depot on the north side of the city where the fuel may be imported and distributed, thus giving more satisfactory service and causing less traffic congestion.
Written Answers. - North Dublin Coal Depot.
406.
I appreciate the objectives which the Deputy has in mind but I am informed that there are very considerable constraints in relation to this proposal.
The provision of port facilities required to meet the Deputy's suggestion is primarily a matter for the Dublin Port and Docks Board. The board have informed me that they spent a considerable number of years in bringing about a situation in which a specialised coal terminal to cater for all imports would be accepted by the trade. Such a terminal now exists and it could not be replaced without an expenditure of from £4 million to £5 million. The terminal has a capacity in excess of present needs and berth occupancy at the coal quay is very substantially below capacity.
The board have indicated that they are prepared to discuss with the trade, if they so desire, the enhancement of existing facilities, but the board would be opposed to the refragmentation of coal trade at the port particularly while existing facilities are underutilised.