asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the representations made from traders and other closely interested, he will use any statutory powers he may possess to put a stay on the dismantling of the Kinsale branch railway line with a view to the possible reopening of the line for service in the near future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kinsale Railway Line.
I have no statutory power to prevent the Great Southern Railways Company from removing the rails and sleepers of the Kinsale branch.
Has the Minister any reason to hope that there is a chance of getting this railway reopened?
That is another question.
Arising out of the Minister's answer, has he been informed of the fact that long before the railway was closed Deputy O'Neill, in a discussion with the railway directors, threatened to close the line?
That is certainly irrelevant to the question.
Mr. Murphy
I would like to point to a few other matters that may be more relevant.
The Deputy has made a charge against me, and there is no foundation for it. It is an absolute abuse of the privileges of this House to make a charge for which there is no foundation whatever against me.
Is the Minister aware that Deputy O'Neill's lorries largely contributed to the closing of the line?
That is also altogether untrue, and without any foundation.
Question 13.