asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that at present there are two daily passenger trains from Dublin to Westport and three buses from Westport to Achill Island but that, as the time schedule is such that there is no bus connection for the second train from Dublin, passengers are put to the expense of hiring a hackney vehicle or spending a night in Westport; that at this time of the year the relatively heavy inward traffic of migratory wage earners commences, and that it is a hardship on them to have to bear additional charges on an already costly journey; and, if so, if he will make representations to Córas Iompair Éireann to adjust the daily bus service so that the last bus will meet passengers arriving on the last train for the areas, Newport, Mulrany and Achill Island.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Achill Island Transport Facilities.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make early representations to Córas Iompair Éireann for an additional bus service to Achill Island on the route Achill Sound via Dugort to Dooagh, as there are five hotels and four guest houses on this route and as a large number of migratory workers return home for Christmas.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 9 together.
The responsibility for making provision to meet the demand for transport services has been placed by the Transport Act, 1950, on the Board of Córas Iompair Éireann, to whom any requests for additional services should be made.
As I indicated in reply to a question put down by Deputy Ruttledge on 6th December, Córas Iompair Éireann have informed me that since 4th December the Westport-Dooagh bus service is being diverted via Dugort once each way on three days weekly. I am also informed that Córas Iompair Éireann have already announced an additional bus service between Westport and Achill for the Christmas period which will give a connection off the train from Dublin which arrives in Westport at 8.30 p.m.
Is the Minister aware that the Public Relations Department of Córas Iompair Éireann do not attach sufficient importance to representations made by public persons?
I am not aware of it.