asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether there is a proposal before Córas Iompair Éireann to close the railway line from Claremorris to Ballinrobe, County Mayo, and if he will further state (a) who is responsible for this proposal; (b) whether it has the approval of the Government, and (c) whether any opportunity will be given for the hearing of objections by local interested parties before effect is given to the proposal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Claremorris-Ballinrobe Railway.
Under the provisions of Section 55 of the Transport Act, 1950, Córas Iompair Éireann are required to obtain an exemption Order from the Transport Tribunal established under the Act if it is proposed to close, either temporarily or permanently, any railway line on which train services were in operation on 1st June, 1950. No such application has been made by Córas Iompair Éireann in respect of the Claremorris-Ballinrobe line. Whenever an application is made for an exemption Order public notice must be given of the application and any interested party afforded an opportunity of submitting objections to the tribunal.