Peter Barry
Ceist:176 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Energy the level of activity he envisages at Whiddy oil terminal; and the level of employment which is expected in this area, directly and indirectly, from the operation of the terminal.
Written Answers. - Whiddy (County Cork) Oil Terminal.
Peter Barry
Ceist:184 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Energy if it is proposed to rebuild the jetty at Whiddy oil terminal, in County Cork; if so, when and the cost involved; if not, if he will outline the alternative he proposes for loading and unloading oil; and if an alternative is proposed, if he will outline when it will be provided and the cost involved.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 184 together.
There are no immediate plans to rebuild the jetty at the Whiddy terminal. As part of the overall strategy to make Whiddy more attractive to prospective investors, Bantry Terminals Ltd. sought and received planning permission for the construction of two single point moorings, which would allow a greater range of large crude tankers to unload at Whiddy.
Future developments at Whiddy will depend on finding a suitable investor. I am continuing in my efforts to find such an investor and until firm proposals for development of the terminal at Whiddy Island are accepted by the Government, I would not be in a position to indicate future levels of activity, employment and the costs arising from such development. My aim would be to maximise the terminal's use because of its importance both as a strategic asset and to the local economy.