asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs whether he will recommend that the mails to Elphin, County Roscommon, will in future be sent via Longford and Strokestown, and if he is aware that this arrangement would greatly facilitate the business community of Elphin, as the mails would be delivered an hour earlier and despatched an hour later, and that this proposed change would not involve much additional expenditure, if any.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARRIAGE OF ELPHIN MAILS.
The question of utilising the Great Southern Railways Company's bus service between Longford and Elphin for the conveyance of mails was recently under consideration, but the railway company were unable to make the necessary arrangements, and the proposal had, consequently, to be dropped. An ordinary road mail service to Elphin via Longford and Strokestown could only be provided at heavy expense which would not be warranted.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it would only mean sending a mail car five miles extra from Strokestown to Elphin?
I understand the position is that representations have been made to the railway company with regard to the carrying of the mails via Strokestown to Elphin, but that the amount involved does not warrant our giving the contract to them. Any representations the Deputy will make will be looked into.
Will representations signed by the clergy, professional and business people of the town, if placed in the Secretary's hands, be considered by him?
I will bear that in mind.