asked the Minister for Transport and Power the policy of the Government regarding the closure or downgrading of railway stations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Railway Stations Policy.
25.
As indicated in my announcement on 14th March, 1974, the Government have decided that the railway system should continue to be preserved subject to further concentration and reorganisation in accordance with the general concepts outlined in the McKinsey Report on CIE as developed in further studies made by the board.
There is an acute need for modernisation and rationalisation of the railway system, particularly in the freight sector, in order to contain railway losses and to avoid a continual erosion of traffic. CIE have estimated that if the present system remains unchanged the railway deficit could amount to over £30 million by 1980 compared with an estimated £9.2 million in 1973-74. Losses of this magnitude could place in jeopardy the continued existence of any mainline railway system.
CIE are entering into consultation with the trade unions and other interested bodies in regard to the detailed working out of their modernisation and rationalisation proposals. The implementation of these proposals in their final form may involve closing or downgrading of some stations. I should explain that under the provisions of the Transport Act, 1958, CIE have full powers to terminate any service of trains provided the board is satisfied that its operation is uneconomic and that there is no prospect of its becoming economic within a reasonable period.
Is the Minister aware that according to Rail Plan 80 it is envisaged that 60 to 80 railway stations will be closed and the rails on these sidings will be lifted? He has probably had a communication from the Kildare County Council in which they were unanimous——
The Deputy must ask a question.
——that nothing would be done until this was discussed.
That is the position.
As Minister for Transport and Power is the Minister not worried about the probable chaotic effect on traffic——
The Deputy may not make a speech.
When it was tried to put this into operation in 1948 it was a failure.
Deputy Power is not asking a question but making a speech.
Will the Minister give an assurance that nothing will be done to downgrade Droichead Nua or other stations until the matter——
This is Question Time. The Deputy must desist from making a statement.
I have already said in my reply that this is being discussed at the moment and nothing will be done until full discussion has taken place.
Is it not already decided what stations are to be developed and reconstructed?
CIE have a plan for the development of freight stations. It has not yet been decided what stations will be downgraded or closed.
Can the Minister say that the new developments in CIE will include the provision of "Supertrains" on all main lines?
No, I could not say that.