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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westport Quay Railway Station.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the precise terms of the instruction issued by the railway company by which it is proposed to deny the use of the Westport Quay Railway Station to any trader except to two particular firms, and if he will state (1) the reason for this closing, (2) the reason for such discrimination, and (3) if he will state under what authority the railway proposes to allow this limited use of the station subject to the imposition of a charge of 9d. per ton in, and 9d. per ton out, with a minimum charge of 2/6; and if he will say whether, in view of the hardships which will be caused by the reduction of facilities and by the increased charges, he will take steps to restrain the railway company and prevent these instructions operating.

I am informed by the Great Southern Railways Company that, with the development of road freight services in the Westport area it became apparent that there was a waste of locomotive power and delay in loading road freight lorries caused by sending certain traffic through to the quay station by rail. The change does not imply the closing down of the quay station, as wagon load traffic, where such offers, will continue to be taken through to the latter place. The goods of any firm offering wagon load traffic are accepted. Transport facilities to the harbour are not being taken away since all traffic will be carried by either road or rail. The additional charge raised on wagon-load traffic taken through to the quay is under examination.

Will the Parliamentary Secretary say if it is not a fact that the regulations have been so framed that these facilities are denied to any but two particular companies?

My information is that any persons offering traffic can have it accepted. If that is so, they are not being denied any facilities.

I suggest that the regulations are so framed that there are only two companies whose goods will be taken.

I do not think that is so.

I shall ask the Parliamentary Secretary to give this matter further consideration. I suggest that these charges have been definitely put on. Will the Parliamentary Secretary say what right the railway company have to increase the charges in this way over a particular section of the railway?

I have informed the Deputy that the question of increased charges is being examined.

In view of the fact that these charges are being applied at the moment, with perhaps no legal right, will the Parliamentary Secretary see that the matter will be dealt with urgently?

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