asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the people of Castleisland town and district are suffering great hardship and inconvenience through the closing down of the Castleisland-Gortatlea branch railway line; and, if so, whether he will direct Córas Iompair Éireann to have this branch line reopened for goods and passenger traffic.

Train services on this branch railway line were discontinued by Córas Iompair Éireann in March, 1947, under an Emergency Powers Order on account of shortage of fuel. In view of the improvement of the coal supply the question of the restoration of train services on this and other branch railway lines arises. I have, however, received proposals from the company regarding the transport services which they provide and I would not feel justified in pressing them to restore the suspended train services on this and other branch lines pending examination of these proposals.

If the Minister for Local Government made representations would they be considered?

I would consider them even from the Deputy.

Why not consider representations by Deputy McEllistrim?

Did not the Minister make representations to the Deputy?

It is only a political wangle and we all know it.

The Deputy is a judge of that.

The Deputy would not know anything about that. The Deputy knows nothing about political wangles in relation to Córas Iompair Éireann.

If there were a Minister in County Kerry would this branch line be reopened?