asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to restore the goods train service on the by-line from Athboy to Kilmessan, County Meath, to connect with the present goods service on the main Dublin-Kingscourt line.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Goods Service Athboy-Kilmessan.
I would refer the Deputy to replies which I gave in Dáil Éireann on 8th June and on various preceding dates regarding the reopening of branch railway lines which were closed temporarily in 1947 on account of the shortage of fuel. I indicated that the proposals concerning the transport services would be examined and that while this examination would be expedited as much as possible it would take some time to complete in view of the magnitude of the problems involved. The Government have been fortunate in securing Sir James Milne to undertake the inquiry. I should say Sir James has been general manager of the Great Western Railway in England from 1929 until that railway was nationalised, and he is also chairman of Pickfords, the road transport company. I hope that the inquiry will begin almost immediately.
Will the Minister appoint any Irish national to participate in the inquiry?
Sir James Milne was bred, born and reared in Dublin.
Is he an Irish citizen?
He has more claim to be an Irish citizen than a good many of the people who have been made Irish citizens in recent years.