asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that serious damage to and loss of live stock coming to the Dublin market are incurred owing to slow transit by goods trains; and that cattle loaded at Campile at 8 a.m. on Monday, the 19th February, 1945, did not arrive at Liffey Junction until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the 20th; and, if so, if he will make representations to Córas Iompair Éireann to provide a service between Campile and Enniscorthy to enable live stock to be brought to Enniscorthy on Mondays in time to connect with and travel on the special Enniscorthy cattle train which leaves Enniscorthy at 4 p.m.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport of Cattle (Co. Wexford).
I am informed that delays due to fuel difficulties and to a mechanical breakdown occurred to the 8.30 a.m. goods train ex Waterford on 19th instant to which train five wagons of live stock from Duncormick and Killinick were attached. The operation of a special engine from stations in South Wexford for the purpose of working five wagons could not have been justified and, under present conditions, the occurrence of such incidents is unavoidable.
Is the Minister aware that this happens every week? Surely a practical business man like the Minister realises that cattle which are kept in wagons for over 24 hours are not in a proper condition to be shown or marketed when they arrive at their destination? If something cannot be done to relieve the situation, you may go and kill all the calves.
Well, there are practical difficulties in railway work at the present time. I am not aware, however, that the circumstances which developed on 19th February have arisen every week. On 19th February, the delay was due to fuel difficulties and a mechanical breakdown.
On 19th February, the cattle were 30 hours in the wagon. It is a common thing to have them there 18 or 20 hours. After that, cattle could not possibly be in a proper condition next day.