Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Having been on board older Naval Service vessels such as LE Aisling, and given their size, structure and layout, it is difficult to see them being suitable for use as a visitor attraction. Having such an attraction would also require ongoing measures to safeguard the physical condition of the vessel and prevent it from deteriorating. This would incur additional costs as well as requiring the availability of materials and staff with skills and expertise to carry out work to keep the vessel structurally sound, weather resistant and watertight. I would not like to see a naval vessel moored on a quayside in Galway left to deteriorate.

Another factor to consider is the harbour space the vessel will take up. It is necessary the harbour retains its capacity to function and meet the daily working requirements of other users as well as having sufficient access. While Galway City Council passed a motion on this matter, I would encourage the local authority to engage with an expert group or people with knowledge of ships and maritime issues to consider the change of use, the set-up and the end costs involved as well as issues around access, location and the day-to-day operations of such an attraction.

This is not as simple as parking the LE Aislingin the harbour. There are other significant issues which must be taken into account, such as safety, insurance, staffing, opening hours and who will pay for the staff. What happens if it is no longer an attraction in five years’ time and Galway City Council wants to dispose of the vessel? These are the issues the council must take into account.

I will be finalising my approach on the disposal of the LE Aislingshortly. My decision will be informed by the most cost-effective approach and take into account all of the issues I have outlined. This decision will be made in the next four to five weeks, not several months from now. If Galway City Council has a proposal to make, it should do a fully costed feasibility study as soon as possible and get it to my departmental officials. I will seriously consider any proposals the council comes up with and will make my decision on that. However, as I stated, I do not want to be passing the harbour in Galway four years from now, seeing the vessel left unmaintained, followed by a request for the Department to take it back.