asked the Minister for Lands whether his attention has been drawn to the grave dissatisfaction which exists in regard to the collection of tolls and customs in the town of Swinford, County Mayo, as regards both the charges made and the lack of proper weighing facilities, and whether he will request the Land Commission to consult the local authorities with a view to the acquisition of these tolls and customs and to the provision of adequate weighing facilities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Swinford Tolls and Customs.
The tolls and customs in Swinford are not the property of the Land Commission and they have no jurisdiction over them. It is not a function of my Department to acquire tolls and customs.
In a number of cases have not the tolls and customs been acquired by the Land Commission?
That is so in a number of cases but in this particular case the purchase of the Brabazon estate by the Congested Districts Board did not include the franchise of the tolls and customs at Swinford.
I am aware of that but, having regard to the grave inconvenience which has been caused to the people of Swinford by reason of the lack of weighing facilities there now— I understand the weighing scales have gone out of commission—would the Minister consider requesting the Land Commission to acquire the tolls and customs? The cost, I gather, would be negligible.
I should imagine that would be a matter for the county council or the local authority. Generally the Land Commission has been endeavouring to dispose of any such franchise purchased by the Congested Districts Board. However, I shall have inquiries made into the matter.
Thank you.