Future of the Ringaskiddy ferry terminal
Wallace questioned the value of the State’s investment after B&I decided to withdraw the Cork–Pembroke ferry and asked how the Ringaskiddy service could succeed. Mitchell said he was concerned the investment be put to good use and was considering options, but had no immediate plan to announce.
In the light of the decision of the Government to allow B & I to cease operations in Cork, is the Minister not concerned about the public money spent on the development of the roll-on, roll-off service at Ringaskiddy? What plans have the Government for the success of this service? A very serious situation has arisen as a result of the cessation of B & I operations in Cork. They were the prime people involved in negotiations for the development of Ringaskiddy, and yesterday the Government took a decision that they could pull out of Cork.
Comment on this
Will the Minister say what plans the Government have in the light of their decision yesterday about B & I pulling out of Cork? What plans has he for the success of Ringaskiddy? The whole thing is in the melting pot now. B & I were the reason for the development and now they are pulling out of Cork. How does the Minister propose to deal with that?
Comment on this
That is really a separate question, but the Government are very sad that the decision had to be taken to withdraw the Cork-Pembroke ferry. I am also concerned that the amount of money that has been expended in Ringaskiddy and invested there by the State should be put to good use. I have not had time so far to consider what other steps we can take to improve the situation in Cork, but the Deputy will be pleased to know that I am considering the matter and hope to be in a position to make a statement before too long.
Comment on this
Deputy, I know that this is your first intervention, but this is really a statistical question in the name of Deputy Avril Doyle and the questions now being put by the Deputy are irrelevant and really should be put down under a separate question.
Comment on this
Arising out of the Minister's reply, the Government did not investigate the whole situation before they allowed B & I to take this decision.
Comment on this
What the Deputy said is not what I said. I have been criticised also for the delay in making the decision because the longer it is delayed the more unlikely it is that a summer service can be provided.