asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that there is no bus service from Ballycastle to Belmullet; and, if so, whether a bus service will be provided on this very important road embracing a wide area and a large population, some of whom are at present over 20 miles from a bus route or a town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ballycastle-Belmullet Bus Service.
There never was a bus service between Ballycastle and Belmullet. I have been informed by Córas Iompair Éireann that it had been contemplated to provide such a service this summer and the arrangements had been planned on the basis that diesel-driven buses would be used. The shortage of diesel oil supplies which first came to notice towards the end of last year may, however, affect the plan for this service as well as others, because it is not yet clear whether the necessary extra supplies of diesel oil can be made available for transport services having regard to other essential demands.