asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will set up a commission to inquire into the workings of public transport by road, rail and canal, with a view both to the improvement of the services given to the public and the further development of the waterways as a tourist attraction.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Inquiry.
2.
The working of public transport in the State was very thoroughly investigated by the Committee of Inquiry into Internal Transport which reported in 1957. Subsequent investigations include two papers on Internal Transport published by the Economic Research Institute in November, 1962 and May, 1963; and a most comprehensive investigation by CIE in 1963, the results of which are set out in the Pacemaker Report. Copies of the Pacemaker report are in the Library of the House.
The Transport Act, 1964, was drafted in the light of the information available from these reports. That Act was accepted by this House as determining future public transport policy, subject to review after a period of five years. A long term examination in regard to the movement of transport using road and rail is taking place in my Department with the help of other organisations such as the Economic Research Institute. This must be based on forecasts of traffic over a considerable future period.
The question of the development of inland waterways is a separate matter that is already being dealt with by Bord Fáilte Éireann as part of the tourist development programme.
In the circumstances I do not consider that a commission as suggested by the Deputy would serve any useful purpose.
Are we now getting ready to close down the canals?
Canals cannot be closed down until all navigation has ceased.
I fully appreciate that the navigational aspect is one aspect of canals. We should not forget that canals were dug over 100 years ago. There is quite a separate consideration to be borne in mind in connection with the canals, that is, the tourist amenities throughout the country for fisheries and their scenic advantage. May we assume that whatever decision may be taken on the transport aspect of the canals full weight will be given to the views of the Minister for Industry and Commerce in regard to their amenity value for tourist purposes?
Yes, full value is being given to that view. There are certain sewerage facilities in the Grand Canal which would have to be provided, if it were closed for navigation.
May we assume that there will not be a sewer put down in the Grand Canal in the city of Dublin?
I have already replied to that question.