§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the navigational lighting arrangements at Carlingford Lough are satisfactory; if he will take action in respect of the financial difficulties facing the Carlingford Lough Commissioners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. OrmeThe navigational lighting arrangements in Carlingford Lough have been functioning most effectively for many years under the supervision of the Carlingford Lough Commissioners and I am glad to say that there has been no change in that position.
In recent years financial difficulties have arisen in relation to the services provided by the Commissioners. One way of improving this situation would be for dues to be paid to the Carlingford Lough Commissioners in respect of vessels using the port of Greenore in the Republice of Ireland who benefit from the services provided by the Commissioners. The Northern Ireland Department of Commerce is in touch with the Department of Transport and Power in the Republic about this.
In the meantime, arrangements have been made for a small extra-statutory grant to be paid by the Northern Ireland 723W Department of Commerce to the Commissioners to assist them with their financial commitments during 1974–75. A careful watch will be kept on the position.