asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the very unsatisfactory train service between Skibbereen and Baltimore and district; that on five days of each week the first train for Baltimore leaves Skibbereen between 12.15 p.m. and 1.15 p.m. and comes back to Skibbereen between 1.15 p.m. and 2 p.m., and that travellers are gravely inconvenienced as they have not been allowed sufficient time to transact their business; that on Saturdays the midday train leaves Baltimore for Skibbereen between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and returns to Baltimore between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., and that this causes great hardship, particularly to the residents of Sherkin Island, Hare Island and Cape Clear Island; and whether he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to improve this train service or allow the company to run an additional train on Saturdays.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Train Service in County Cork.
In order to give a suitable service for shoppers travelling between Baltimore and Skibbereen an additional train would be required. The present fuel supply position does not permit of the operation by Córas Iompair Éireann of normal passenger train services even on the main lines. In these circumstances I would be unable to authorise additional services on the Baltimore/Skibbereen line at the present time.