HC Deb 06 July 1903 vol 124 cc1384-6
MR. M'FADDEN

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the train due to arrive at Letterkenny at 10.50 a.m. on the 23rd June last on the Burtonport and Letterkenny Extension Railway did not arrive until 1 p.m., and in consequence passengers to Londonderry from Letterkenny and stations on the Burtonport line were delayed; and whether, in view of the repeated complaints as to delays and repeated breakdowns on both the Letterkenny and Burtonport lines, he will direct the Board of Works in Ireland to hold an inquiry as to the working of these lines by the Lough Swilly Railway Company.

(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The delay in this case was due to a leaking engine. The Board of Works is in correspondence with the company with the object of securing a punctual and satisfactory working of the line.

MR. M'FADDEN

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the train due at Letterkenny from Londonderry on the Letterkenny line at 1.40 p.m. did not arrive until 4.30 p.m. on the 22nd June last; and whether, in consequence of this breakdown and one the same day on the Burtonport and Letterkenny Extension Railway the Board of Works in Ireland will compel the Lough Swilly Railway Company, which works both lines, to make compensation to Mr. John P. Speer and other Letterkenny passengers prevented on that day by these delays from travelling to Londonderry, or what steps the Board intend to take in reference to the complaints made as to the management of these lines by the said company.

(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The delay to the 12.10 p.m. train from Londonderry on the date mentioned was due to the detention of earlier trains. No breakdown occurred to the former train. The Board has no power to call upon the company to provide compensation to passengers for alleged losses sustained by the latter.

MR. M'FADDEN

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that by reason of a breakdown on the Burtonport and Letterkenny Extension Railway, near Creeslough, County Donegal, on the 22nd day of June last, the train due to arrive at Letterkenny at 10.50 a.m. did not arrive until nearly 7.30 p.m., and, in consequence, upwards of 200 labourers and harvestmen from the Rosses and Gweedore districts proceeding to England in search of work missed the steamboats at Londonderry and were compelled to remain in Letterkenny and Londonderry all night; and whether, in view of the circumstances of these men, the Board of Works in Ireland will see that the Lough Swilly Railway Company, which works this line under agreement with the Board of Works, will make compensation to them for the loss sustained.

(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The late arrival of this train at Letterkenny was caused by the failure of the engine. Owing to the absence of telegraphic communication there was delay also in preparing a relief train. The Board of Works has been for a considerable time endeavouring to arrange with the company for the provision of telegraphic communication, which, it is now stated, will be established as soon as possible. The Board has no power to take action as suggested at the conclusion of the Question.