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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Nov 1974

Vol. 276 No. 4

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Transport Charges.

36.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in order to counteract the abnormal transport charges affecting agricultural, industrial and commercial activity in County Donegal, he will make arrangements for a scheme of transport aid for the county.

As the Deputy is aware, CIE are already in receipt of a substantial subsidy towards the provision of transport services for the country generally. CIE have always been conscious of the needs of areas such as County Donegal and have consistently sought to ensure adequacy of services at the lowest possible costs. For instance, rail freight traffic which is carried by CIE between Dublin and Derry for County Donegal is afforded the most favourable rates possible.

I cannot, at this stage, give any indication of the possibility of more specific aids for the transport of goods in any particular part of the country. This is a matter which would have to be considered in the context of developments in relation to EEC regional policy.

In view of the peculiar, I hope temporary, situation which exists so far as Donegal is concerned and the lack of rail and sea transport which is not the case elsewhere, would the Minister not consider something special in the way of a subsidy, or subsidised freight rates, to the companies concerned? CIE are not the only organisation operating a transport service to and from Donegal. Because of this the companies are in an even worse position than the rest of the country.

I do not agree with the Deputy. In fact, CIE give special rates for the transport of goods specifically from Donegal to Dublin. Up to February, 1973, the rate has been £8.40 per cwt. for loads of under 5 cwt. and this charge has been reduced to £4.15; for loads of 10 cwt. it had been £15 and it has been reduced to £7.45; for loads of 1 ton the charge had been £29.55 and this has been reduced to £12.40.

Can any assistance be given towards the private company that operates in half of the county with regard to the reduction of freight rates?

No. I presume the Deputy is speaking of the London and Lough Swilly Railway Company?

It is the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company.

My Department are having discussions with them at the moment and probably I shall have some news before Christmas for the Deputy on the matter.

The Minister has been referring only to public freight transport. This is of no benefit to firms and producers who operate their own transport. In view of the problems that always exist with regard to transport in cross-Border areas, and more particularly in the last five years, can the Minister not assist these people in some way to reduce their costs?

In the last paragraph of my reply I stated:

I cannot, at this stage, give any indication of the possibility of more specific aids for the transport of goods in any particular part of the country. This is a matter which would have to be considered in the context of developments in relation to EEC regional policy.

It would be against EEC regulations to give subsidised transport to any particular part of the country.

Is the Minister aware of the provisions of EEC Directive No. 161? One of the criteria there is the distance of transport. In the context of this directive and, having regard to the special difficulties in this case which have been admitted by the Minister, will he not provide some aid in the matter?

I have not heard of the terms of Directive No. 161. My understanding of the position is that it would not be possible to subsidise transport from any one area under the EEC regulations.

We have spent a considerable time on this matter. I am calling Question No. 37.

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries admitted yesterday there was such provision in the directive.

Perhaps it relates only to agricultural goods.

My question includes agricultural goods.

The Chair has called Question No. 37.

In view of the misunderstanding, may I point out to the Minister that I referred in my question to agricultural, industrial and commercial activity in Country Donegal?

Yes, I accept that.

We cannot pursue this matter any further. I have already called the next question.

The Minister obviously misunderstood.

That is not so.

I am trying to get some aid for transport in Donegal.

The Deputy is indulging in argument, not asking questions.

Will the Minister admit that his reply was incorrect? His statement that the EEC prohibits him from giving this aid is not in accordance with the facts. As a matter of fact, in the EEC Directive No. 161 there is specific provision for transport in less-favoured areas.

The Deputy is well aware he is making an argument.

It would be wrong for me not to ask the Minister to check on the matter and amend his reply.

The Chair suggests that the Deputy might put down a further question.

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