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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Apr 1948

Vol. 110 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Railway Branch Lines.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the very serious hardship inflicted on traders and the general public in the area, by the closing down, in January, 1947, of the Cavan-Mullingar branch railway line, which was stated to be necessitated by the fuel position at that time; and if, in view of the now improved fuel situation, he will have this service restored without undue delay.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the cause of the delay in reopening the railway branch line from Goolds Cross to Cashel.

I propose, with the permission of the Chair, to take Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.

Services on these lines were discontinued by Córas Iompair Éireann under an Emergency Powers Order on account of shortage of fuel. In view of the improvement of the coal supply the question of reopening them now arises. I have, however, received proposals from the company regarding the transport services which they provide and I would not feel warranted in pressing them to reopen the lines pending examination of these proposals.

Have the company power to close its lines permanently without first having a public inquiry at which they can be called upon to justify their recommendation?

I do not think there is any question of lines being closed permanently.

It is a question of the interpretation of the word.

Lines are not being closed permanently.

Then how long will the lines remain closed temporarily?

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