asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that agricultural and commercial interests in the town of Cashel, County Tipperary, and its neighbourhood are considerably inconvenienced by the non-reopening of the branch railway line to Cashel, and if he will cause inquiry to be made in the matter with a view to its early reopening.
Written Answers. - Cashel Branch Railway Line.
The rail services on this branch line were discontinued on account of shortage of fuel. Córas Iompair Éireann coal stocks have improved but are still substantially less than at this time last year. The demand on freight services is heaviest in the last quarter of the year and the company have to conserve their fuel supplies so that adequate services can be maintained for beet, grain and other essential commodities. I am informed, however, that the Goolds Cross-Cashel branch will probably be reopened for beet traffic.