asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state if it is the intention of Córas Iompair Eireann to reopen the Schull and Skibbereen railway line when the coal supply position becomes normal; the number of men disemployed by the closing of this railway; and the number for whom alternative employment was provided.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - County Cork Branch Railway Lines.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of employees of the Clonakilty, County Cork, branch railway line have received from Córas Iompair Eireann notice terminating their employment; and if this is so, if he will state if it is intended to reopen this line when the coal supply position becomes normal.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
Córas Iompair Eireann cannot close any branch railway line permanently until they have first obtained an Order from the Minister for Industry and Commerce authorising them to do so. Public notice must be given by the company of any proposal to close a branch line and ample time will be allowed to enable interested parties to make representations. I have not received any application from the company in regard to either the Clonakilty or the Schull-Skibbereen branch railway line.
I am aware that as a result of the present unavoidable curtailment of railway services, Córas Iompair Eireann are obliged to dispense with the services of some of their railway employees both on these branch lines and elsewhere on their system. Of the 22 men who were employed on the Schull-Skibbereen branch line I am advised that five have been retained, 13 have been offered alternative employment and four have been paid off.