asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view, of the proposed closing down of the branch railway line to Timoleague and Courtmacsherry, County Cork, he will make representations to the board of C.I.E. to have investigations made as to the possibility of the introduction of diesel operated railway stock on this particular branch line.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Railway Line.
Before transport services can be permanently discontinued C.I.E. would require an exemption order from the Transport Tribunal. Public notice of an application for such an order must be given. Interested parties would thus be afforded an opportunity to bring before the tribunal any evidence which might support the view that the line could be operated economically with the use of diesel traction.
While fully aware of that, would it not be possible for the Minister to give some indication as to whether the board of C.I.E. have taken into consideration the possibility of diesel operated stock on that line, in view of publication in the Pressabout the possible closing down of the line?
I assume they have done so.
Surely it would not be impossible for the Minister to give us some specific indication—not just that he "assumes"? Apparently he has not inquired.
I have no function in the matter.