asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether the proposed resumption of services on the Skibbereen branch railway line of Córas Iompair Éireann is due to representations made to him by the Minister for Local Government, as reported in the Press; whether, apart from these representations, there are any special circumstances which justify the resumption of services on this branch line prior to their resumption on other branches; and whether any estimate has been made of the financial results of resumed operations on this branch; finally, whether a net loss is anticipated; and, if so, of what amount.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Resumption of Rail Services.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any representations have been made to him concerning the resumption of services on branch railway lines on which services have been suspended other than the Skibbereen branch line, and why it is not possible to resume services on other lines simultaneously with their resumption on the Skibbereen branch line.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together. The proposed resumption of services on the branch railway line from Skibbereen to Baltimore follows on representations made to me by the Minister for Local Government. When representations were brought to the notice of Córas Iompair Éireann, they replied that daily services could be provided on the branch line without loss by the use, for the purpose, of the engines engaged on the Cork-Skibbereen section, and these services to Baltimore will be operated as from the 31st May in lieu of the unsatisfactory road services which have been in operation for some time past.
Of the branch lines discontinued during the coal crisis which occurred in the early part of 1947, services on three branch lines were restored in June, 1947, and, at varying dates, services have been partially restored on seven other lines. Twelve lines are still closed.
Representations have been made to me in regard to the restoration of services on a number of branch lines, but, notwithstanding the improvement in coal supplies, I would not feel warranted in pressing Córas Iompair Éireann to reopen the lines pending examination of proposals which I have received from the company regarding the services which they provide.
Am I to understand that the Minister must receive representations from a colleague before he will make representations to Córas Iompair Éireann in such matters?
The Minister is prepared to receive representations from any member of the House or any member of the public and will act on them.
Did I not understand the Minister to say that he made representations regarding the Skibbereen line because he was approached by the Minister for Local Government, but he will not make representations concerning other branch lines even though he has been approached?
No.
Was not that the sense of the Minister's reply?
No.
Frankly, am I to understand then that political considerations solely will decide the Minister's attitude in this matter?
If the Deputy gets his way, I will not be long troubled with representations from anybody, as per his column in the Irish Press to-day.
That would do us all good.
It would do the Deputy good, no doubt, because he was satisfied with nobody but himself. However, I am sorry to disappoint him.