asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that sheep-dealers are charged £3 10s. 0d. per journey by lorry in respect of the transport of lambs from Ballymahon, County Longford, to Edgeworthstown Railway Station, a distance of ten miles, on fair days in the former town, whereas a lorry can be hired from the railway for transporting other goods for ten hours for £3 15s. 0d.; and that, as a result, the dealers are refusing to attend this important fair until such time as the fare is reduced by Córas Iompair Éireann; and, if so, if he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to remedying this apparently anomalous state of affairs at an early date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Charges.
I have no evidence that dealers are refusing to attend Ballymahon fair, or, if there is any falling-off in attendance, that such is due to the road rates charged for the transport of lambs. Live-stock traffic carried to railhead in lorries operated by Córas Iompair Éireann is charged according to a scale which is of general application throughout the country. I am advised that the charge for the appropriate distance for a special four-ton double-deck lorry capable of carrying 54 to 60 sheep is 72/-. A helper is also provided in the vehicle. The corresponding charge for a four-ton lorry with a single deck is 45/-. The rate of £3 15s. 0d. to which the Deputy refers is the charge for an ordinary lorry engaged in general haulage for an eight-hour day, no helper being provided in the vehicle. This service is not in any way comparable with the special service provided for live stock.