Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Mar 1932

Vol. 41 No. 2

Vote 57—Railways.

Mr. MacEntee

I move:—

Go ndeontar suim bhreise ná raghaidh thar £162 chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfaidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1932, chun íocaíochtanna fé Acht na mBóthar Iarainn, 1924, fén Tramways and Public Companies (Ireland) Act, 1883, etc.; agus chun crícheanna eile a bhaineann le hIompar in Eirinn.

That a supplementary sum not exceeding £162 be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March, 1932, for payments under the Railways Act, 1924, the Tramways and Public Companies (Ireland) Act, 1883, etc.; and for other purposes connected with Irish Transport.

Mr. Lemass

The amount required now represents a loss in excess of that estimated for in the beginning of the year in respect of a steamer which runs from Sligo to Belmullet and Killybegs. The service from Sligo to Belmullet is of long standing and has continuously produced a loss which was made good out of public funds. The service to Killybegs was initiated at the beginning of last year. It was anticipated that the loss would be slight, and, in fact, local assurances from the originators of the project in Sligo were received that there would be no loss at all. In fact the loss has been considerably heavier than was thought when the service was started. This service was started for six months as an experiment. It was continued for another six months up to the end of last year, and was continued again for a further period of three months to the 31st of this month. I find that a decision had been taken in the Department of Industry and Commerce to terminate both these services as from 31st of this month. That decision was arrived at some time in December, but was not communicated to any of the parties concerned. I have not had an adequate opportunity of going into all the facts relating to either service, but it seems to me there is a good case to support the decision to terminate them both. However, it is proposed to continue the services for the longer period until a more complete examination of the facts is possible under the new conditions and a decision will be announced later, but it is necessary that this amount should be provided. It is due to the company that runs the steamer and is payable before the conclusion of the present financial year.

Vote agreed to.