asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has received a resolution from the Mayo County Council requesting the Government to take immediate action to prevent the proposed discontinuance of the Great Southern Railway service between Westport and Achill; if he is aware that the small farmers of Achill, Mullaranny and Newport are taking advantage of the peat scheme and are cutting large quantities of turf for use in other parts of Ireland; that the only means for the conveyance of such turf is by rail, and if he will state what steps, if any, are being taken by his Department to prevent the railway company discontinuing the service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Achill Rail Service.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In considering the application for an order authorising the closing of the Achill-Westport branch of the Great Southern Railways, however, regard will be had to the adequacy of the proposed substitute road services to cope with any traffic which would normally be carried by rail from the area in question. I do not agree that the only means for the conveyance of turf is by rail.