asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will cause representations to be made to the Great Southern Railways with a view to the opening of the closed line from Portlaoighise to Mountmellick, in view of the facts (a) that the line from Kilfree to Ballaghadereen was originally closed down and is now kept open; (b) that Portlaoighise is a locomotive depot; (c) that grave hardship is inflicted on people residing at Rosenallis, Clarehill, Clonaslee, Ballyfin, etc., who all formerly used the Mountmellick train service; and (d) that the abolition of the train service and the inauguration of the new service have considerably increased freight charges.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoighise-Mountmellick Railway Line.
Until there has been an improvement in the fuel supply position, of which there is no early prospect, I could not undertake to make representations to the Great Southern Railways Company for the reopening of the Portlaoighise-Mountmellick branch line. Adequate substitute road services are being provided between these points for the conveyance of merchandise and livestock.
Will the Minister state what were the circumstances which caused the line between Kilfree and Ballaghadereen to be re-opened? Is the Minister aware that the Mountmellick Town Commissioners and the Parish Council agreed to supply the necessary fuel that would be required to run this service from Portlaoighise to Mountmellick?
It is not quite as simple as that. So far as the line from Kilfree to Ballaghadereen is concerned, it was not one of the branch lines the closing of which was included in the official notice published by the company. I am anxious to get these branch lines re-opened as quickly as possible, but I am afraid that there is no prospect of that until there is an improvement in the fuel position.
I wish to give notice that I intend raising this matter on the adjournment.