asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the grave hardship which would be caused to all sections of the people in North Leitrim and Sligo by the threatened closing down of the Sligo-Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway he will take steps to have the railway taken over in a manner similar to the taking over of the Great Northern Railway or alternatively, if he will consider making a grant from public funds to the Sligo-Leitrim and Northern Counties Railway in order to keep it running.

I have received representations from local interests in regard to the future of this railway, and the matter is under consideration.