asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if he is aware that where the postal services to the promontories of West Cork are operated by motor van services on contract, such services have been jeopardised by the difficulty of the owners in getting petrol coupons and tyres; and whether the Minister will make representations to the proper Department to enable such contractors to carry out their contracts in a satisfactory way.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Postal Services in County Cork.
The postal road services in the Bantry and Skibbereen areas (West Cork) were formerly performed by motor vans. At Bantry, Departmental van services were in operation, and at Skibbereen there were two motor contract services. The latter were, however, replaced by horse transport, railway omnibus, and cycle postmen, when the shortage of petrol became acute. The revised services are working satisfactorily. I should, perhaps, add that where alternative means are available the use of motor transport could not be justified in present circumstances.