asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that bus fares on the Westport-Mulranny route are far in excess of the comparable rates in other areas; and, accordingly, if he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to have the fares on this route reduced to a figure in conformity with the fares chargeable in other rural areas.

The bus fares charged by Córas Iompair Éireann on the Westport-Mulranny route are similar to those charged for comparable distances in other rural areas. The company have recently announced that they propose to reduce fares for short-distance travel on their country bus services. These reductions, when effected, will be of general application.