Vol. 398 No. 8
29 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine the Government's policy regarding the number of car ferry terminals in the greater Dublin area; if he is committed to the retention and development of the car ferry terminal in Dún Laoghaire; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
32 Mr. S. Barrett asked the Minister for the Marine the proposals he has to improve the facilities at the ferry terminal in Dún Laoghaire; if he has had any discussions with Sealink regarding their future requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 32 together.
In the greater Dublin area, ferry terminals are located at Dublin Port and Dún Laoghaire Harbour and the Government has no plans to change this existing arrangement.
The organisation and improvement of ferry facilities in the greater Dublin area is a complex issue. Among the factors concerned are future traffic projections, commercial demands and the comfort and safety of passengers. The interim harbour board, which I recently established, has had discussions with Sealink concerning the proposed development of the harbour's terminal facilities. Consideration of the issues involved is, of necessity, time consuming and I do not wish to pre-empt the board's consideration of the matter.
