asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the inadequate train service between Newmarket and Cork City is causing serious inconvenience to the people of North Cork, and if so, if he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to make provision for a train from Newmarket to connect with the early train leaving Mallow for Cork and also to provide a train from Banteer to Newmarket to connect with the train which leaves Cork at 6.30 p.m.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Newmarket-Cork Train Service.
There is at present one passenger rail service each way daily between Newmarket and Cork. There is also an omnibus service which allows passengers from Newmarket to have a day in Cork and to return the same evening. I am informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that an increase in the railway service between these points would involve the use of an additional engine, which is not at present available.
Is the Minister aware that the train leaves Newmarket at 11 a.m. and gets into Cork at 1.30, during the dinner hour, and leaves again at 2.30, so that people cannot do any business? Can the Minister do anything to improve the service?
The service cannot be improved at present by the provision of an additional train. Of course, there is no place where the service is fully satisfactory and cannot be until there is more equipment available.
Would it be possible to give a train service from Banteer to Newmarket? The engine is there for that purpose.