asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there is any reason why through-rate bookings for live cattle exported from Enniscorthy, Macmine, Killurin, New Ross, Chapel and Wexford to Birkenhead cannot be procured in view of the fact that such through rates are available as between Ferns, Gorey and Birkenhead.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - THROUGH-RATE BOOKINGS FOR CATTLE.
I am informed by the Great Southern Railways Company that they have been engaged for some time in arranging a large system of through-rates for live-stock to Birkenhead. Rates from Enniscorthy, New Ross, and Wexford are included in the proposals, but have not yet been definitely arranged with the other carrying companies concerned. The Company state that they have not had any case made to them as yet for rates from Macmine, Killurin, or Chapel.
Is the Minister aware that the Great Southern Railways Company has already refused to bring through rates into operation for the Wexford Harbour Board?
My information is that rates from Wexford itself were included in the proposals made, but that the arrangements are not definitely settled yet.
They refused already to do that.
Is the Minister aware that it is necessary to have through rates from Wexford and Enniscorthy? County Wexford is a cattle-raising and tillage county, and, that being so, Dublin is the principal route for the cattle. The present arrangement is very unfair to the farmers and exporters of cattle in County Wexford. There should be through rates from all the stations in the county.
The proper course is to have strong representations made to the railways company. I am only answering according to my information. I have no great jurisdiction in the matter.