asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in the event of the McKinsey Report being implemented in whole or in part, particular care would be taken to ensure that railway lines operating west of the Shannon would be retained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Rail Operations.
12.
As I indicated in reply to Questions on the McKinsey Report on 28th October, 1971, the recommendations in the report will be considered by the Government after consultation with interests concerned.
I cannot anticipate at this stage what decisions are likely to be taken but I can assure the Deputy that all relevant factors including the welfare of the west of Ireland will be very closely considered.
Will the Minister ensure that the stations at Castlerea, Roscommon, Athlone, Boyle and Carrick-on-Shannon will not come under the McKinsey hammer?
All stations in the west of Ireland and matters relating thereto will be fully considered by the Government in its detailed analysis of the McKinsey Report on which the Government is seeking submissions from interested parties.
(Interruptions.)
Would the Minister confirm or deny that he has invited McKinsey to do another survey?
That is a separate question.
The Deputy is talking nonsense. In pursuance of their brief on this matter they are carrying out a management structure investigation into CIE: that is all they are doing at present.
Can we take it that the Minister and his Department consider that the £61,000 spent on the original report was money well spent?
That is a separate question.
In a situation of this kind it is essential that we get the best possible international advice and we weigh that up against the views expressed here by various interests in the community. The Government will then come to a sensible conclusion on the basis of all the views expressed.
Without burning your fingers for the second time?
In reply to a previous question the Minister gave an undertaking that those lines would get special consideration in any decision that was being taken.
Who is to get special consideration?
The west of Ireland line: Athlone, Castlerea and Ballina.
Yes, of course.