asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he will state if preparations are being made to re-open the line Mallow to Mitchelstown, to Waterford; whether he is aware that the people in this large area are suffering severely for want of this service, and when he proposes to have this line re-opened.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - MALLOW-MITCHELSTOWN-WATERFORD RAILWAY LINE—QUESTION OF RE-OPENING.
On the Dungarvan-Waterford Branch the main repair is that of Ballyvoile Viaduct. This is a specially difficult job, and has been delayed by an alteration in the method of repair designed to keep as much of the work in the country as possible. It will necessarily take some months before the repair is completed according to the altered design.
On the Mallow-Dungarvan and Fermoy-Mitchelstown Branches all damage has now been made good with the exception of the Carrig Viaduct and the bridge at Cappoquin. The repair of Carrig Viaduct is being carried out by the Government and the contract for the timber centering has been completed. The contract for the masonry work is now proceeding and the whole is due for completion on the 22nd August next. The repair at Cappoquin is being carried out by the Railway Company and, if no interruption to the work is caused by any stoppage at the Ports, is due for completion on or about the same date as Carrig Viaduct.