asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received complaints from shipping interests in Wexford to the effect that the Great Southern Railway Company are providing facilities for shippers at Rosslare Harbour by way of reduced rates, which have not been made available to them at Wexford, and, if so, whether, in view of this advantage given to one port over another, he will have an inquiry made into the matter forthwith with a view to having this grievance removed.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - WEXFORD PORT—SHIPPERS AND HARBOUR COMMISSIONERS' COMPLAINTS.
One complaint has been received from Wexford shipping interests within the last few days citing one instance, which is said to constitute an undue preference. The matter is being carefully investigated.
Will the Minister say whether he has examined the question in the light of the communication which he has received, and if he has read Section 30, sub-section (2), to see how the interests of Wexford are affected by the Railways Act?
I have not had the section to which the Deputy refers under my notice in connection with what is alleged in the Deputy's question. What I have said is that I have had only one complaint, citing one instance which is said to constitute an undue preference, and that we are carefully investigating that one case.
If the Minister is satisfied that this is constituting undue preference to one particular port, will he give a guarantee that he will exercise the powers given to him under the Railways Act and refer the matter to the Railway Tribunal to be dealt with?
The Department can always be relied on to do what is proper.
That is not an answer to the question.
I think it is by implication.
Will the Minister say when we may expect an answer? This is a very serious matter for the town of Wexford.
As soon as the investigations are completed.
When does the Minister think he will be able to have an answer on the matter?
Obviously, I cannot estimate how long the investigations are going to take. All I can say is that there will be no delay that can be obviated.
As I consider the Minister's answer unsatisfactory, I desire to give notice that I shall raise this matter this evening on the motion for the adjournment.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a complaint from the Wexford Harbour Commissioners, pointing out that inconveniences and difficulties experienced by shippers at the Port of Wexford since the Railway Amalgamation Scheme came into operation render it almost impossible for them to carry out the unloading of ships, and whether his Department would have inquiries made in the matter.
I have received a complaint that the closing of Wexford South Station for passenger traffic, and the running of passenger trains along the quays, has occasioned inconvenience to shippers at the port, and am in communication with the Great Southern Company in the matter. I expect that an arrangement safeguarding the convenience of shippers, without prejudicing the necessary economies in the railway service, will be secured.
Is the Minister aware of an Act of Parliament which is in operation to protect the interests of the Wexford Harbour Board, called the Railway Act of 1871, and will he investigate this matter in the light of Section 10 of that Act?
If further investigation is necessary to secure what I have stated, "an arrangement to safeguard the convenience of shippers without prejudicing the necessary economies in the railway service," I certainly will give it the fullest consideration.