Vol. 178 No. 8
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if Córas Iompair Éireann consulted with him before taking the decision to close the Claremorris-Ballinrobe branch line; if he is aware of the loss that this closing will be to Ballinrobe and district; and if he will ask Córas Iompair Éireann to reconsider their decision.
45.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that there is considerable disquiet among residents of Ballinrobe and surrounding areas following the recent decision of Córas Iompair Éireann to close down the railway line at the end of the year; and that, in particular, the people of the area feel that Córas Iompair Éireann will not be able to provide as cheap and efficient a service for carriage of stock on fair days; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
46.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware of the widespread discontent and dissatisfaction which exists in South Mayo on account of the proposal by Córas Iompair Éireann to discontinue the rail services between Claremorris and Ballinrobe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose, with the permission of the Leas-Cheann Chomhairle, to take Questions Nos. 44, 45 and 46 together.
The Transport Act, 1958, empowers C.I.E. to terminate any particular train service provided the Board is satisfied that its operation is uneconomic and that there is no prospect of its continued operation being economic within a reasonable period. The Act also imposes on the Board of C.I.E. the general obligation to conduct the undertaking so as to eliminate losses by 31st March, 1964. This means, in effect, that the fate of any particular line or station must depend on whether sufficient public support is given to it to justify its retention.
C.I.E. have already published notice of their intention to terminate rail services on the Claremorris-Ballinrobe branch line and have indicated the nature of the alternative road services which they propose to provide. It is open to Deputies and other persons or bodies concerned to make representations to C.I.E. during the statutory two months' period of notice.
I should make it clear that under the Act I have no function in the matter.
Is the Minister aware that the closing of this line will bring business practically to a standstill in the town of Ballinrobe? Even at this late hour, would the Minister make representations to the Board of C.I.E. to alter their decision, if only to the extent of giving the line a further six months' trial?
I am not so aware and I have no intention of interfering with the right of C.I.E. under Section 18 of the Transport Act, 1958, to close uneconomic lines.
If this Minister, and other Ministers in a similar position, continue adopting this attitude, when these companies come to this House again we may take up a very different attitude in relation to giving them whatever money they may need.
Does the Minister think it proper that C.I.E., when asked to give a breakdown of the figures on which they based their decision, refused to do so and refused to see a deputation of three Deputies of this House until that request was withdrawn?
In reply to the Deputy, I think it was perfectly proper for C.I.E. to refuse to give a breakdown of the figures for receipts and expenditure. I am confident the Board acts wisely in these cases. I am also confident that their decision to close a line is based on sound economic considerations.
Will the Minister accept that I, too, realise that the Board have a statutory authority and can take a decision? They have taken a decision in this instance. Like the people of Ballinrobe, we must accept it. Does the Minister not consider it improper, however, for C.I.E. to refuse to see a deputation of three Deputies unless and until we withdraw what appears to be a perfectly reasonable request?
There is nothing in the question about a deputation.
They act like the Gestapo, and always have.
Question No. 47.
I wish to ask a supplementary.
I have permitted four supplementaries.
But you did not permit me to ask one.
The Deputy did not offer.
I offered twice.
If the Deputy offered, we will allow him to put a supplementary.
Is the Minister aware that the proposed action by C.I.E. will make a ghost town out of Ballinrobe, one of the best farming centres in County Mayo? Furthermore, the closing will do irreparable damage to the business people and to the farming interests in the area. I would ask the Minister to make strong representations to have at least a freight service—if they must close down the passenger service—on fair days for the convenience of the farming community around Ballinrobe.
