asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he is aware that the closure of the Kilfree-Ballaghaderreen branch line would have serious adverse effects on the area; that the existence of the line is a major factor in attracting industrialists to the area; and that the Ballaghaderreen Town Commissioners have succeeded in attracting a major German industrial project to the town; and, if so, whether urgent reconsideration will be given to the retention of the line.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of CIE Branch Line.
30.
I am informed by CIE that following the closing of the Kilfree branch railway line from 4th February, 1963 they will substitute efficient and satisfactory road services as required. In these circumstances the closure should have no adverse effects on the area. I have no evidence that the closure of the line will deter any industrialists from coming to the area. CIE took into account the possibility of the factory referred to by the Deputy being established in Ballaghaderreen but even on the most optimistic basis the traffic from this factory would not suffice to make the branch line economic. CIE have no information that the factory, if established, would use the railway line at all; on the other hand, the character of the production envisaged obviously lends itself to carriage by road.