asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if Córas Iompair Éireann proposes to reopen the branch railway lines at present closed; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Branch Railway Lines.
Steps are now being taken to set up the Transport Tribunal in accordance with Section 54 of the Transport Act, 1950, and the tribunal, when established, will be asked to expedite the consideration of any applications which the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann may decide to make to them in respect of branch lines. In the case of those branch lines in respect of which application is made to the tribunal by Córas Iompair Éireann, it will be for the tribunal to decide, after inquiry, whether services will be restored either fully or to a modified extent, or will be permanently discontinued.
I have already asked the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann to consider specially the position of all the branch lines on which services have been discontinued and to decide as soon as possible their future intentions with regard to these lines.
Will it be the same tribunal that will deal with canals?
I do not think so. I would require notice of that.