HC Deb 22 July 1908 vol 193 cc93-4
MR BOLAND (Kerry, S.)

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has made representations to the Great Southern and Western Railway Company with reference to the change of time in the departure of the evening train for Headford Junction to Kenmare; and whether, in view of the fact that this change is resented by the people of Kenmare and surrounding districts, who are compelled to contribute heavily out of their rates to this particualr service, he will arrange that the old time-table shall be adhered to.

THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR IRELAND (Mr. T. W. RUSSELL,) Tyrone, S.

The answer to the first to part of the Question is in the affirmative. The Department are informed by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company that their object in fixing a later hour for the departure of the train form Headford Junction to Kenmare was to have a connection with the 5.30 p.m. train from Rosslare, which gives a service from a number of stations in Ireland as well as from places on the others side of the Channel. The Company further state that on the Kenmare Branch four trains are run each way daily; that these trains are arranged to give as good connections as possible; and that the service is ample having regard to the extent of the traffic, which is very small. The Department have no power to require the former time-table to be reverted to.

MR. BOLAND

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that thas line has a baronial provided out of the rates?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

That may be, but the Department have no power to compel the Company to change the service.

MR. BOLAND

What has been the extent of the tourist traffic in whose interest the change has been made?

MR. T. W. RUSSELL

I cannot say off-hand.