asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any objections were lodged with the Transport Tribunal against the closing of the canal leading to Herbertstown, County Kildare.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Canal (County Kildare).
Under Section 56 of the Transport Act, 1950, Córas Iompair Éireann is required to obtain an order from the Transport Tribunal established under the Act if it proposes to close a canal, or any part of a canal, to navigation. I am aware that Córas Iompair Éireann has lodged an application with the tribunal in respect of the section of canal known as the Herbertstown branch, and that public notice has been given. Under the Act I have no function in regard either to the consideration of any objections which may be made or as to the final outcome of the application. I understand that the matter is under consideration by the tribunal, and any request for information should be addressed to that body.
I appreciate, of course, that the Minister has no function in this, but can he tell me whether, in fact, an objection was lodged or not? That is all I want to know.
Unofficially, I know that there have been some objections. The Deputy will appreciate that they do not have to be lodged with me.
The county council are anxious to know whether there was an objection or not. If there was no objection then they need not do anything about it, but if there was they wished to do something about it.
I do not want to be taken as speaking in any way for the tribunal. I do not know what their procedure will be in dealing with objections. I understand there have been some objections with which, presumably, the tribunal will deal in due course.