MR. POWER (Waterford, E.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, on the completion of the new central railway station by the Fishguard and Rossclare Company and the Great Southern and Western Company, north of the River Suir, at Waterford, the former company will be empowered to cease to use the station at the south side of the river for passenger and other traffic, and thereby to compel passengers and goods, which have hitherto entered Waterford by the south station, to pay tolls on the toll bridge for crossing to and from the city to the station on the north side; and whether a rebate of such tolls can be claimed by such passengers and traffic from the Fishguard Company.
(Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I have communicated with both the railway companies concerned in the matter, and I am informed that it is not proposed to take any steps, to close the existing station on the south side of the River Suir pending the decision of the question of the provision of a free bridge in lieu of the existing toll bridge. As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, the Fishguard and Rosslare Company are under a statutory obligation to contribute towards the cost of the suggested new bridge.