asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Córas Iompair Eireann is about to seek an Abandonment Order for the railway pier at Bantry; and whether, as this pier was built by public funds, on foot of a Baronial guarantee, and as it is the only pier in the harbour capable of berthing large-size vessels, he will consider vesting it in some local authority so that it may continue to be available for the distribution of goods off-loaded from ocean-going vessels and coasters discharging their cargoes at Bantry.

An application has been received from Córas Iompair Eireann for authority to abandon their pier at Bantry and is under examination. As the pier is derelict and could only be restored at excessive cost I see no reason why it should be vested in a local authority. The county council already maintain a pier which seems to be adequate for the needs of the Bantry district.

Arising out of the Minister's reply, is the Minister aware that Córas Iompair Eireann were responsible for the stopping of the Bantry Bay steamer plying between Castletownbere and Bantry?

This pier fell down of its own accord.