asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will ascertain from C.I.E. when it is proposed to reopen the Banteer-Newmarket branch railway line.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Branch Railway.
This branch line has been closed since January, 1947, except for monthly specials for fairs and occasional goods and passenger specials. Following a public sitting, the Transport Tribunal in January, 1955, granted an order under which C.I.E. are exempted from the obligation to operate train services on the branch line, except special trains for the conveyance of cattle from fairs. I understand from C.I.E. that as the line has to be maintained to deal with these live-stock specials, they have decided to experiment with a lightweight diesel unit to provide a service of goods trains, but that they are not yet in a position to indicate when it will be possible to commence this goods train service. The matter is, of course, one for C.I.E., and if there is any further information the Deputy desires to obtain, I would suggest that he should communicate directly with C.I.E.