Vol. 200 No. 7
andMr. T. Lynch asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there are any plans submitted to him for interference with the Fishguard-Rosslare and the Fishguard-Waterford services, and the connecting rail services with these very essential routes.
17.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he has received any communication from British Railways with regard to the possible closing of the Rosslare-Fishguard sea service to Britain; if not, whether he will enquire from British Railways as to whether such closure is at present contemplated; and whether, with a view to allaying local anxiety with regard to the possibility of the closing of the service, he will take immediate steps to ensure that the service is maintained either through British Railways, or by some other means.
18.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether his attention has been drawn to reports concerning a proposed change in the mail boat services; whether he was consulted in this regard; and if he will make a statement.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 16, 17 and 18 together.
I have seen press speculation about changes in the cross-Channel services, particularly Fishguard-Rosslare. No proposals for any such change have come before me.
I am, of course, concerned to ensure the maintenance of the existing services. The operation of the Fishguard service is governed by statutory provisions which have force both here and in Britain. I have no doubt that should any alteration in the services be seriously contemplated I would be consulted in good time.
I would see no point in taking an initiative in this matter.
Could the Minister say whether he has any reason to think there is any possibility of the shipping line from Fishguard to Rosslare closing down?
I have been given no information on it, but if that route is to have 14 new services throughout this summer I should not think the newspaper reports had any validity. Because of the statutory implications, notice of any such action would have been given to me and I would have been fully aware of it long before the eventuality.
The Minister is confident that if there was any proposal for the closing down of this line he would have been consulted? Is there just a possibility that he might not?
I am quite certain I would have been consulted because of the fact that legislation is involved on both sides. Any agreement that would possibly arise would involve both sides. As I said legislation on both sides would also be involved.
In view of the fact that Dr. Beeching's Report is with the British Government would the Minister think it would be advisable for him to seek information?
We are keeping in as close touch as we can. Bord Fáilte and ourselves have a satisfactory liaison.
The Minister believes there is no substance in this report or rumour?
Decisions in regard to Dr. Beeching's proposals have not been taken. No one knows what the decisions are. The Report has not been published or made available. The views of the Minister of Transport in Britain are not known.
The Minister will appreciate the anxiety of public representatives in the area and of the people there who do not want to be faced with a fait accompli..
Is the Minister aware that inspections were made of the bridges on the railway line between Mallow and Rosslare and that one engineer was heard to say: "We will need boats to take these bridges down"?
If I were to listen to all the rumours going on about the railways with seriousness, I would be in a very poor way.
Is the Minister aware that many of the rumours that were current are causing great alarm in the area? Will he alleviate the public worry there about the future of these iron bridges?
It is outside the scope of this question.
It is not. The bridges are between Rosslare and Mallow.
In any event, is it the Minister's firm view and the firm view of the Government that the Rosslare-Fishguard line should not be closed?
It is my firm view that it should not be closed.
