Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1993

Vol. 431 No. 6

Written Answers. - Privatisation of British Rail.

Pat Cox

Ceist:

109 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if, in view of the recent announcement by the UK Transport Secretary of the intention to privatise British Rail passenger services by seeking private franchises to operate the various routes, he will give the implications he believes this has for Irish passengers using the various ferry services, such as Cork to Swansea, Rosslare to Pembroke, Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead and other such routes, in the terms of, the availability of throughticketing, the quality of service, the price of the service and the implications for rail freight; whether his Department is keeping a watching brief on the matter; if he has made any representations to the UK authorities on the matter; if he has conferred with ferry operators or other relevant parties on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Cowen)

In reply to a Parliamentary Question on 20 May 1993, the British Secretary of State for Transport, Mr. John MacGregor, MP, announced plans for the immediate restructuring of British Rail's freight businesses and a timetable for privatisation with the publication of "Rail Freight Privatisation — the Government's Proposals".

In a press notice dated 24 May 1993, on plans for franchising BR's passenger rail services, Mr. John MacGregor, MP, set out the likely shape of future rail services across Great Britain. He was announcing the mix of InterCity, regional and commuter services that will make up the 25 different businesses across the country which BR will now set up as the basis for what will become the privatised railways network.

It would be premature to speculate on the implications that these outlined plans will have for specific ferry routes. My Department is monitoring developments and it is my intention to consult with relevant interests including ferry operators.