asked the Minister for Defence if he will give the following details of his Department's auxiliary vessels, (a) the year of construction, (b) the estimated life span, (c) the principal dimensions, (d) the expected retirement date, and (e) the plans, if any, for their replacement; and in respect of leased vessels if he will give details of the leasing arrangement.
Written Answers. - Department of Defence Vessels.
268.
The information requested, in so far as it is available, is as follows:
|
Name of Vessel |
Year of Construction |
Estimated remaining life span |
Principal Dimensions |
|
MV John Adams |
1934 |
7 Years |
Length 85' |
|
Beam 18' 9” |
|||
|
Draft forward 3' 8” |
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|
Draft aft 7' |
|||
|
ML Sir Cecil Romer |
1929 |
3 Years |
Length 38' 3” |
|
Beam 10' 6” |
|||
|
ML Raven II |
1931 |
1 Year |
Length 36' 4” |
|
Beam 10' 5” |
|||
|
ML Jackdaw |
1934 |
2 Years |
Length 34' |
|
Beam 10' 6” |
|||
|
ML Colleen II |
1974 |
25 Years |
Length 37' |
|
Beam 12' |
|||
|
Draft 3' 3” |
|||
|
Chowl (Oil Barge) |
1924 |
10 Years |
Length 76' |
|
Beam 18' |
The question of the replacement of the launches Sir Cecil Romer, Raven and Jackdaw is under active consideration but no firm decision has been made at this stage.
Three leases of vessels are in operation. Two of these are for the provision of a transport service for civilian employees, service personnel and their families between Cobh and Haulbowline Island. The third is to provide sea training for members of An Slua Muirí. Details are as follows:
(1) A vessel with crew is on hire from Marine Transport Services Limited, Cobh since 1965 for the Cobh-Spike Island Service. The firm are responsible for full maintenance and operational expenses.
(2) A vessel—the "David F"—is on bare boat charter from Marine Transport Services Limited, Cobh, since 1970 for the Cobh-Haulbowline Island service. This vessel is maintained and crewed by the Department of Defence.
(3) The Bermudan Ketch Yacht "Nancy Bet" is on lease since 1979 from Mr. Stanley Roche, Newborough, Ballinaclashett, Belgooly, Co. Cork at a nominal rent. The lease is for a period of five years—the Department being responsible for insurance, maintenance and other operational expenses.
In regard to (1) to (2) above, it is not the practice to disclose the financial arrangements.