asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, having regard to the importance of maintaining a double rail line between Dublin and Belfast, he will have steps taken to ensure the maintenance of a double line, if necessary by this State discharging the cost thereof.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin-Belfast Railway.
24.
I am informed by CIE that the proposed singling of a 24 mile stretch of the Dublin-Belfast railway will necessitate alterations in the time table and will diminish operational flexibility with potential cost increases.
I have made representations in the matter to the Northern Ireland Minister of Development but I have been informed that the proposal is only part of a larger scheme of rail singling which has to be implemented in order to cut the costs of operation to the minimum, thereby helping towards the preservation of the railways in the North in their present form.
In the circumstances, it is a matter for CIE to weigh the commercial implications for their services of the singling of the line against the cost of any arrangement to maintain a full double track.
Is it possible for CIE to bear the estimated annual loss which will accrue if this stretch of line is retained as a double track? Statutorily, can CIE pay the £17,000 involved?
This is a matter for consideration by CIE. The service can be continued along the single track with certain disadvantages, certain time lags in respect of expresses and ordinary trains. The question of the effect on traffic must be related to whatever costs CIE might consider engaging in to preserve the double line. It is a matter of economics which must be considered in all its facets.
Perhaps the Minister did not understand what I asked. Have CIE, under statute, power to pay the cost of maintaining it as a double line? Have they power, in other words, to subsidise the Northern line?
Such sums as are required to maintain their services across the Border.
Will the Minister see that CIE bear in mind the social cost involved as well as the economic cost if this foolish action is taken?
The vast majority of people coming across the Border do so in private cars.
Even more will do so in future.