asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware of the fact that C.I.E. have given notice of their intention to close the Bray-Harcourt Street railway line, and of the serious inconvenience which such closing will cause to residents in Bray and to the tourist industry in that town; and whether in the circumstances he will consult with C.I.E. with a view to the continuance of the railway service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Closing of Bray-Harcourt Street Rail Service.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the apprehension among users of the Greystones to Harcourt Street train service at its proposed discontinuance; and if he is satisfied that the proposed alternative bus service will be adequate to cater for the needs of the people who use the train service, especially persons in hospitals and institutions who would have no shelter if obliged to use a bus service, taking into account the facilities available at railway stations.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 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 31-3-64. 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.
It is open to Deputies and other persons or bodies concerned to make representations to C.I.E. during the two months' period of notice which C.I.E. is required to give under the Act. I should make it clear that under the Transport Act I have no function in the matter.
While I appreciate the terms of the Act, is the Minister aware that in the public notice concerning this matter which appeared in Iris Oifigiúil reference was made to the fact that C.I.E. proposed to apply for permission to run a bus service on the Leopardstown Road? Is he aware that in the past that road was not sanctioned as a road suitable for public service vehicles and in the circumstances will the Minister ensure that until that road is sanctioned the existing service will be maintained?
That application would not be made to me. Surely it would be made to the county council?
The county council and the Department of Local Government. Representations were made to C.I.E. some time ago to run a bus service but the county council and the Department of Local Government refused to sanction it unless alterations were made to the road. The road is still in the same condition. Notice was given that the service would run through to sanction it unless alterations were made to the road. The road is still in the same condition. Notice was given that the service would run through Sandyford village, but it did not say where it would run after that.
In view of the congestion, particularly in the summer time, on the Dublin-Bray road, and the further congestion which will be caused if C.I.E. have to provide buses to carry the traffic now carried by the railway system from Harcourt Street to Bray, would the Minister, in order not to add to the traffic congestion problems, suggest to C.I.E. that, instead of closing this line, it should try some imaginative propaganda in order to popularise the line to keep it open and provide employment, and generally not to scrap an obviously useful line of transportation between the city and one of its most popular and populous seaside resorts? Something should be done to save the line. It is one of the most popular railway lines in the country.
Not popular enough, I would say.
The Minister does not travel on that line.
I see the empty trains often enough.
I can see coffins on the Bray road in the future to a greater extent than before.
Order! Question No. 8.