asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the transport service for workers and schoolchildren between Illies and Buncrana, County Donegal, is to be withdrawn; and if any alternative service will be provided.
Written Answers. - County Donegal Transport Service.
53.
The service in question was operated by the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company, a private concern, who operate regular passenger services in North Donegal.
I understand from the company that the service was found not to be commercially viable and was withdrawn for this reason. The company is under no obligation to maintain any service in operation. If a local independent operator is willing to operate the service I would certainly give favourable consideration to granting him a licence.
I am also informed that schoolchildren entitled to free transport under the scheme operated by the Department of Education have not been using this service and accordingly the question of providing an alternative service in this regard does not arise.