asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that there is now no station-master or other official on duty at stations on the Great Southern Railways on Sundays; that the stationmasters have instructions to leave the gates leading from the public roads open from Saturday night to Monday morning; that there is no protection against cattle, horses, etc., straying on to the line to the danger of the public travelling on this railway, and if he will make representations to the railway company in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sunday Duty on Railway Stations.
I am informed that on some branches of the Great Southern Railway there are no Sunday trains and the stations are accordingly closed. On some other branches, although there is a Sunday service, tickets are issued by a conductor on the trains and there is consequently no necessity for the station-master to be on duty. To secure all possible economies, having regard to the fact that many Sunday train services do not defray expenses, the gates are in such instances left open, but I have no reason to anticipate that danger is caused thereby to the travelling public.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that on one of the lines which I mentioned, or to which I have referred in this question, there is a very good service of Sunday trains, that gates leading to the station in cases where these officials are not on duty are left open, and that cattle, horses, etc., do stray on the line and does he not consider that dangerous to the travelling public?
In view of the fact that the animals comprised in the word "etc." presumably include asses, would the Parliamentary Secretary give special reconsideration to Deputy Mullins' complaint?
I have not anything to add to the answer I have given. I have no reason to anticipate that danger is caused to the travelling public.
In view of the fact that Deputy Cooper may go down that way, will the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that there will be special arrangements made on such a special occasion?