asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the serious fuel shortages to be faced and of the anticipated transport difficulties that will result, he will request C.I.E. and the Office of Public Works to bear in mind the advisability of making greater use of the canal system, the Barrow navigation and the Shannon for the transport of heavy goods, and thus economise in fuel.

As I informed the Deputy in reply to previous questions on 22nd November, C.I.E. are examining the best means of effecting economies in the use of imported oil fuels with the least inconvenience to the public. The canal services are among those operated on oil fuel and no doubt C.I.E. will have regard to the relative economies of operation by the different methods of transport.

The Commissioners of Public Works are responsible only for the maintenance of the Shannon Navigation and they do not operate any transport services.