asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he received a memorial signed by a large number of persons residing in the vicinity of the Ranch in which it was complained that the Dublin United Tramways Company failed to provide a regular bus service between O'Connell Bridge and the Ranch; whether he is aware that the nearest point at which people residing at the Ranch can obtain a regular bus service to the city is more than a mile distant from their houses; whether he is aware that the absence of a regular transport service to and from the city inflicts great hardship on people residing in this neighbourhood and prevents them from taking or sending their younger children to the city, and whether he intends to take any steps to secure an adequate bus service for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Provisions of Bus Service.
A memorial of the nature referred to has been received by me. I am not prepared to accept the implications of the remainder of the question, as I am informed that in addition to a direct service, at least three other bus services pass within half-a-mile of the Ranch, providing a frequent and reasonably adequate service for the area. I am further informed that only limited support has been afforded to the existing service and it is very doubtful whether in these circumstances the company could reasonably be required to extend the service.
Is the Minister aware that, consequent on the action of Dublin United Tramways Company in withdrawing the service formerly provided on this route, the present service provided for residents is decidedly unsatisfactory and that, as a result of the present limited service, persons resident in this area are required to walk long distances before they can connect with the present unsatisfactory transport service provided by the Tramways Company? Does the Minister propose to ask the Dublin United Tramways Company to provide in this area a service as good as the service which existed before it took over the previous bus service?
The service provided has only been availed of to a very limited extent and is producing a loss for the company operating it. In these circumstances, it is difficult to see how representations could be made to the company to provide, an increased service.
Is the Minister aware that bad services are never availed of, and that that is the reason why this service is not being availed of? If the service were efficient, the persons concerned would be glad to avail of it. Will the Minister put that consideration to the Tramways Company and ask them to give back to the people in this area the efficient transport service they have taken from the people? Does the Minister intend to do anything further in this matter, seeing that he has given the United Tramways Company an absolute monopoly?
I refer the Deputy to the reply given to his question.