asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that Córas Iompair Éireann contemplate the building of a luxury hotel in the South; and if so, whether he will make representations to the company that, in the public interest, capital for ventures of this kind would be better employed in: (i) speeding up the conversion of coal-consuming locomotives to oil-burning, thus providing the ordinary and holiday trains desired by the public; and (ii) augmenting and improving all classes of railway rolling stock and equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Building of Córas Iompair Éireann Hotel.
I am informed that Córas Iompair Éireann have postponed their plans for a new hotel in the South for the present.
Delays in implementing the company's programme have not been occasioned by the lack of the necessary capital. The conversion of coal-consuming locomotives to oil-burning was held up by the strike of fitters and turners. The principal limiting factor at present is the lack of storage facilities for fuel oil. The programme for new and improved railway rolling stock and equipment is delayed by the difficulty in procuring essential supplies.