asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will ascertain from Córas Iompair Éireann whether they have considered the report of the Cork County Engineer on the road programme which will be required in consequence of the closing of the South and West Cork railways; and whether in the light of the report the Board will consider deferring the closing for three years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Road Programme.
18.
The answer to both parts of the Question is in the negative. I have seen the report of the Cork acting county engineer. It appears to suggest that the greater portion of the roads in the area on which the substitute services will be operated are already substandard for existing traffic. I am satisfied that the need for improving them cannot be related wholly or mainly to the marginal increase in traffic which will follow on the closing of the railway line.
The question of any improvement in the roads which the county council may consider desirable would be a matter which would appropriately be dealt with by the Minister for Local Government to whom I understand a copy of the report in question has already been sent.
Before the Minister agreed to the closing of these lines, did he take into consideration the fact that 120,000 tons daily will pass over those roads which are unsuitable for traffic? Would it not have been wise to defer the closing of the lines until the roads were first put into a proper state of repair?
The Deputy can discuss all those matters next Thursday, if he so desires. I have no direct responsibility for the roads.
Is the Minister satisfied that roads 11½ feet in width are sufficient to carry the additional 100,000 tons of merchandise which they will have to carry in consequence of the Minister's action?
The Minister for Local Government has a duty to sanction the use of roads.
(Interruptions.)
May I express my appreciation to the Minister for putting on record his success in transferring this burden from his office to the ratepayers of Cork County?
I have not transferred anything.
That is what the Minister said.
It is all a racket.
(Interruptions.)