asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has reached a decision regarding the granting of a license for a bus service on the Westport-Leenane route; if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Westport-Leenane Bus Services.
21.
I would refer the Deputy to my answer on 30th March to a previous question about this application. I gave very full consideration to the further representations made to me in the matter but I found it necessary to confirm refusal of the application pursuant to my statutory obligations under Section 11 of the Road Transport Act, 1932, to have regard to the necessity for the proposed service in the light of the existing passenger services on or in the neighbourhood of the proposed route.
Should, however, the application be altered to provide services which would not compete directly with existing services, either because they are operated on different days or because they would cater for people travelling from Westport to Connemara and back, rather than people travelling to Westport from Connemara and back, I would be prepared to give the matter further consideration.
Is the Minister aware that C.I.E. refused to service this route and that it is not serviced now by any bus? It is just serviced by the ordinary hackney cars. By refusing to give the applicant a license, the Minister is condoning a contravention of the Traffic Act and doing an injustice to the 900 families living along this route.
I am not departing from the terms of the Traffic Act in any way and if I can get evidence which would justify a service I shall be very glad to grant the licence. I believe that the present service provides adequately for people desiring to travel this route.
Is the Minister satisfied that this route is adequately serviced by a bus which conforms with the provisions of the Traffic Act?
I am satisfied.
I have proof in this envelope in my hand that it cannot be serviced adequately. The present position is that on that route there is now only a common hackney car which cannot service the route for the number of families living on it. C.I.E. have refused to service the route and the Minister has refused to grant a licence to an applicant who is prepared to put a proper bus on the route.
I am always willing to review the matter.