asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the fact that the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company have, for a considerable time past, discontinued the carrying of passengers on their steamers plying between Greenore and Holyhead; also, if he is aware that the interruption of this service is causing serious inconvenience and monetary loss to the people of Greenore and surrounding districts; and, if so, whether he will state what steps, if any, he proposes to take to induce the Company to resume the passenger service on this route.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - GREENORE-HOLYHEAD PASSENGER SERVICE.
I replied to a question in similar terms on the 23rd of February this year, and, as the position has not changed since that date, will repeat the reply.
"I am informed by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company that the Holyhead and Greenore service has for many years been run at a heavy loss, and that at the present time a service is given by sailings on three days of the week each way, which is found ample for the traffic offering. By discontinuing the conveyance of passengers, certain staff economies have been made possible, but there is still a substantial, though reduced, loss in maintaining the present service. Under these circumstances the company feels that there would be no justification for a passenger service between Holyhead and Greenore, particularly in view of the other routes to Ireland by which passengers may travel."