andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power the initial total cost of buying the twenty-eight A-Class diesel locomotives; when they were purchased; and what is their normal useful life expectancy.
26.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Diesel Locomotives.
25.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether any difficulty is being experienced in getting spare parts for the A-Class diesel locomotives purchased by CIE.
27.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether it is a fact that a number of A-Class locomotives, purchased by CIE, have been out of service; and, if so, if he will state how many, for how long, and the reason why.
28.
andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether it is a fact that it is intended to withdraw the A-Class locomotives from service; if so, how many, and the reasons why.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose taking Questions Nos. 25, 26, 27 and 28 together.
I am not clear as to which 28 "A" class diesel locomotives the Deputies' Questions refer. I am informed by CIE that 60 "A" class diesels were purchased in May, 1954 at a cost of £3,878,000 approximately; and that their life expectancy is estimated at 20 years for the engine and 40 years for the frame and electrical work.
I am not aware of any difficulties of the kind suggested by the Deputies' other questions. The matters referred to, however, relate to the day to day administration of CIE.