asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether public tenders were invited for the purchase of thirty-seven diesel-electric locomotives from the General Motors Corporation; and, if so, when.
20.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Steam-powered and Diesel-electric Locomotives.
19.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what percentage of the motive power stock of CIE is still steam-powered; and what percentage will be so powered after the purchase of the thirty-seven diesel-electric locomotives.
21.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power what influence the full implementation of the Beddy Report would have on the number of (a) diesel-electric and (b) steam-powered locomotives required by CIE.
22.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power the percentage of diesel-electric locomotives intended in 1955 to be introduced by 1962 in the CIE services.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 20, 21 and 22 together. Tenders were invited by CIE for the supply of diesel locomotives in December, 1961, from eight leading manufacturers and the contract for the supply of 37 locomotives was awarded to General Motors Corporation, U.S. The locomotives are required to replace steam locomotives, the bulk of which are now approaching the end of their useful life and must be replaced very soon.
The 37 locomotives are estimated to be the minimum which will be required even if reductions of rail mileage to the degree broadly envisaged in the Beddy Report are found necessary. The precise number of locomotives which might be required in such an eventuality would depend not only on rail closings but on the character and frequency of services and the rate at which the remaining steam locomotives must be retired from service.
At present CIE have in service 132 steam locomotives and 172 diesel locomotives. The dieselisation programme approved by the Government in 1953 aimed at conversion of the major portion of rail traction to diesel. No calculations were made then or in 1955 as to the percentage of diesel locomotives which might be required in 1962 as this would of course depend on many factors including closing of lines, experience of diesel locomotives and life of remaining steam stock. For similar reasons it is not now possible to say what precisely will be the percentage of steam locomotives immediately after delivery of the 37 diesel locomotives. The ultimate aim is complete dieselisation.
Could the Minister say why it is not possible to say what percentage of diesel engines would be required after the purchase of the new ones in so far as they are presumably being purchased to replace a certain number of existing engines?
The question of the use of diesel engines is a matter for CIE Modernisation developments are continually taking place and it is impossible to say how far one of these engines will fulfil the purpose of replacement.
Could the Minister not say after his experience of diesel locomotion up to the present approximately how many will be required to fulfil the programme?
I could not. CIE have carried out an examination of a detailed kind and such as has never taken place before and there has been a change in picture.
Could the Minister say if it is the intention of CIE with this replacement of 37 locomotives to achieve 100 per cent. diesel electric traction?
CIE themselves have not yet completed their plans and so it is impossible for me to say.
Is it now the intention of CIE to have 100 per cent. diesel electric traction?
I did not say that.
23.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether the diesel-electric locomotives proposed to be purchased from the General Motors Corporation will have any additional feature required to provide for greater safety in their operation.
The new diesel locomotives which are of a larger type than the existing General Motors locomotives are being supplied fitted with a cab at both ends. This will provide maximum visibility in both directions without turning the locomotives.
Could I ask the Minister whether in the original specification the specification was laid down for the new type or the existing type?
That is entirely a matter for CIE and I would be involved only if the question of safety arose but, for the information of the Deputy, I would tell him that the larger engines are normally fitted with cabs at either end as they are very much larger engines.
Is it proposed to adapt the existing engines so as to take the cab at either end?
In order to satisfy the Deputy I would tell him that the smaller engines cannot be conveniently fitted with a cab at either end.
Then they can be driven only in one direction?
I have no information on the matter and I am concerned only with the safety element.