asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the number of boatyards now in operation in the country suitable to (a) build boats up to a size of 49 ft., (b) build boats in excess of 56 ft., (c) carry out repairs and reconstruction work, and the number of people employed in the boat building and repairs industry.
Written Answers. - Boat Building Industry.
453.
The Industrial Development Authority, with whom I have consulted concerning the information asked for by the Deputy, have informed me that according to their records, excluding the Verolme Cork Dockyard Ltd., there are, at present, some 38 boatyards in the country which, between them, employ around 260 people. Five of these yards are building or carrying out major reconstruction work on vessels in excess of 50 ft. and all of the yards mentioned carry out boat repairing. In addition to these firms there are, it is understood, a number of small operations engaged in boat repairing in respect of which the IDA have little or no information.