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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 7

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - The Drumm Battery.

Mr. Byrne

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the total amount of moneys paid back to the Government by the Great Southern Railways in connection with the Drumm battery and trains, and if he will state if the guaranteed life of the battery and trains has been fully realised.

The Government did not advance any moneys to the Great Southern Railways Co. in connection with the Drumm battery trains. Portion of the moneys advanced by the Government to Drumm Battery Co., Ltd., was utilised to finance the Drumm battery electrification scheme now in operation on the railway system. The capital costs involved are repayable by the railways company in instalments to the battery company under a purchase agreement. All instalments of principal and interest due to date under this agreement have been paid by the railways company and negotiations are proceeding with the railways company in the matter of the balance of the amount repayable by that company. I am informed that the guaranteed life of the battery has been realised, but that the ordinary life of the railway vehicles involved is not exhausted.

Mr. Byrne

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that one of his colleagues described the Drumm train, the Shannon scheme and the Carlow Beet Sugar Factory as white elephants?

That is not a supplementary question.

Mr. Byrne

The Drumm train has been a success——

The Deputy must resume his seat and have some sense of order. Question No. 16.

Mr. Byrne

The Drumm train has been a success.

The Deputy's sense of order is not a success.

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