asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will now direct Córas Iompair Éireann to reopen the branch railway lines serving Banteer-Kanturk-Newmarket, Fermoy-Mitchelstown, and Cork-Macroom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Railway Branch Lines.
As I have already indicated in reply to a number of recent questions, Córas Iompair Éireann coal stocks are substantially less than at this time last year. The company have to conserve their fuel supplies so that they can provide adequate services for grain, beet, turf and other essential commodities. I am not, therefore, in a position to say when it may be possible for Córas Iompair Éireann to reopen these services.
Will the Minister state if his Department is aware that during the past 18 months a considerable number of redundant trains have been plying between Banteer and New-market town and that these trains are of no use or benefit to the people in that district?
I would be surprised to learn that redundant trains were running anywhere.
Is the Minister aware that representations were made by Kanturk Parish Council on behalf of traders in Kanturk town to the effect that they are not in a position to send back the packing cases they received for their goods on various occasions in the last 12 months?
I cannot remember.