asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the number of merchandise licensed lorries in East Cork is completely inadequate to cater for the needs of the agricultural and business communities in the area; and, if so, whether he will grant additional licences to lorry owners in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensed Lorries in Cork.
Under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1950, C.I.E. are charged with the duty of providing the necessary transport facilities to meet the needs of the public, agriculture, commerce and industry. I am informed by the board that they have not received any complaints regarding failure to provide transport in the East Cork area. I am satisfied that C.I.E. and existing licensed hauliers are in a position to meet the transport needs of the area and in the circumstances I would be precluded under the terms of the Transport Act, 1944, from granting additional merchandise licences.
Is the Minister aware that for the last ten years the transport in that area during the harvest season has been carried out mainly by lorries without a merchandise licence plate? During the particular harvest season C.I.E's. only way of meeting the transport situation was to hire those unplated lorries and charge 7½ per cent.
The Deputy is raising the question as to the adequacy of the transport facilities available in the area. My inquiries indicate that there is a total of 35 licensed hauliers with addresses in Cork City: that in East Cork area there is a total of 20 licensed hauliers and that, in addition, C.I.E. have 25 vehicles available for transport at the Cork depot and that that number of vehicles can be supplemented if the necessity arises. There does not, therefore, seem to be any special deficiency in the East Cork area.
My experience during the past month, and particularly during the past fortnight, is that, owing to certain circumstances, the farmers found it impossible to get plated lorries from anybody to take their harvest to the market. Up to this year the unplated lorries were allowed to take it but due to the activities of the Department of Justice recently they are not now permitted to do so.
Some of the Deputy's difficulties may relate to the special problem surrounding the harvest and delivery to the mills of this year's wheat crop. I do not think we should, for a temporary emergency of that kind, contemplate the issue of licences on a permanent basis, which is what I think the Deputy is suggesting. Perhaps, the temporary difficulties can be met in a way other than that suggested in the question.