Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Donegal Road Services.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any proposals for the improvement of the road freight and road passenger services in County Donegal.
Comment on this
I am not at present aware of any inadequacy in the road freight or road passenger services in County Donegal which would call for the formulation of proposals such as the Deputy has in mind. I can assure the Deputy that the transport position in County Donegal is kept under review.
Comment on this
The Minister's reply amazes me. Is he not aware that Lough Swilly Railway Company have reduced their services and their scope of operations? Is he aware that CIE have come in to take charge of some of the Lough Swilly Railway Company's operations? Is he not also aware, or has he not been made aware that these services are being truncated and reduced and that redundancy is taking place? Is he aware that there is much speculation as to whether the Lough Swilly Railway Company will phase itself out, whether CIE will take over all transport, road and rail, and that there is also speculation that some Northern Ireland-based company may take over? In view of all that, of which the Minister has been made aware through correspondence and otherwise, why did the Minister refuse a deputation? Not only had he a request for a deputation from me but he did not have the courtesy to say yes or no to my request.
Comment on this
I did not have a reply. In view of that, would the Minister not give me a revised supplementary reply?
Comment on this
I do not know where to start. It is certainly true that the Lough Swilly Railway Company have cut back on their freight operations in County Donegal but CIE moved in immediately and filled the gap created by that cutback.
Comment on this
I will not engage in speculation. I do not know what rumours the Deputy hears. I do not know anything about the speculation going on in County Donegal. I am giving the Deputy the facts as they are.