asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether he proposes to seek a discussion with the appropriate British Minister regarding the partial destruction of the railway bridge between Anglesey and the Welsh mainland; and whether any contingency plans are under consideration.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Destruction of Welsh Bridge.
4.
The fire damage on the 23rd May last to the Menai railway bridge, which links the island of Anglesey and the mainland, has disrupted British Rail services from Holyhead to Dún Laoghaire and the North Wall, the exception being the car ferry service which continues to operate normally between Holyhead and Dún Laoghaire. British Rail have made alternative arrangements for the disrupted passenger, cattle and freight traffics. These arrangements are naturally causing some inconvenience, but British Rail have informed me that they are keeping the situation under constant review and are in close day-to-day touch with Bord Fáilte, the cattle trade, the fresh meat export trade, et cetera, in order to ensure that the arrangements operate as smoothly as possible. The extent of the damage to the bridge has not yet been fully assessed, but I am keeping in close touch with developments and if the necessity for an approach by me to the appropriate British Minister arises, I will not hesitate to act.