HC Deb 08 August 1918 vol 109 cc1515-6
9. Mr. O'DOWD

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the three and a half miles of railway at the Arigna mines now in course of construction only connects these mines with the terminus of the Cavan and Leitrim Railway at that place, leaving a gap between that station and Collooney, situate on the Midland and Great Western and Great Southern Railways, which shuts out the people of the West of Ireland from all communication with the mines in question; and whether, seeing that the Treasury are constructing ten miles of railway for Mr. Parkinson at Wolfhill and ten miles more for Mr. Wandesford at Castlecomer, he will reconsider his decision in regard to the giving of a Grant for the construction of a line from Arigna to Collooney?

Mr. SHORTT

I do not see any prospect of the construction of a railway between Arigna and Collooney being considered during the War. The line under construction at present affords the quickest means of making use of the Arigna coal mines, and the Cavan and Leitrim Railway will be quite able to convey their output.