asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the Schull-Ballydehob area, County Cork, no public transport system is now available; and if he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to make a passenger service available for the people of the districts in question.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rail Services in County Cork.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the Timoleague-Courtmacsherry area, County Cork, no public transport system is now available; and if he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to make a rail passenger service available for the people of the districts in question.
I propose to take questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
The rail services on these branch lines 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 main line services can be maintained for beet, grain and other essential commodities.
I appreciate that hardship is being experienced in many areas which are at present without any means of public passenger transport. The measures which the Government have taken in an endeavour to alleviate the position created by the present strike of bus workers have been announced.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, can the Minister hold out any prospect of an improvement in view of the great difficulty which exists at the moment as regards public transport in these areas?
I can hold out no immediate prospect of an improvement in rail services.
I desire to be associated with the request made by Deputy Davin and to raise this question on the adjournment for the purpose of mentioning the particular problems which are the subject of these questions.
Only one question can be raised on the adjournment.
In view of the fact that they both deal with the same type of subject, perhaps it might be possible to raise my point also?
If it is a question of raising these points I would favour them together rather than seperately.