asked the Minister for Local Government the total amount paid in rates by Córas Iompair Éireann on land, houses and other property in the area covered by the west Cork railway service now proposed to be closed down, for each of the years 1952 to 1960, inclusive, and the total rateable valuation of the houses, lands and other property of the Company in that area; if, after closing the railways, the Company are still liable for rates on all such property; and what will be the loss in rates on rateable property to the Cork County Council involved in the closure of the railways.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rates on C.I.E. Property in West Cork.
19.
Particulars are not available in my Department of the rateable valuation of Córas Iompair Éireann property in west Cork affected by the company's decision to terminate certain railway services in that area, or of the amount of rates paid by the company in respect of the property.
The company will be liable for the payment of rates in respect of the property while they continue to be entered on the valuation lists as being in rateable occupation thereof.
I have no information regarding the effect of the closing of the railways in question on the rates position in County Cork, as that depends upon the valuation placed on the property by the Commissioner of Valuation.
Is the Minister aware that in an action in which the county solicitor in County Cork defended the retaining open of the branch lines, the contention was made that there would have been a loss of £11,000 in rates revenue to County Cork if the closure were proceeded with? Furthermore, is he aware of the concern which is activating many of his own colleagues because of the extra road expenditure involved in County Cork?
The closure of the Cork railway cannot arise on every question.