Costello condemns decision to close Rossslare - Waterford railway line
Posted on September 03, 2010 at 11:56 AM
The decision today of the National Transport Authority (NTA) to accept the proposal from Iarnrod Eireann to close down the Rosslare to Waterford railway line is deeply disappointing and will come as a shock to the people of the South East.
Iarnrod Eireann has allowed the service to wither and has shown no interest in promoting a robust commuter and freight service for the line.
It makes no sense to shut this rail line down as it is a key link to the Western Rail Corridor. The publication of the SERA (South East Regional Authority) report on the future of the Rosslare-Waterford-Limerick rail line identified a number of critical shortcomings in the Iarnród Éireann business case for terminating passenger services on the Rosslare-Waterford line.
The report not only identifies the potential for passenger but also the possibilities for freight movements in the region and stresses the need for the introduction of a community rail partnership model for rural rail transport in Ireland. It proposes a commuter service linking Wexford and Waterford and suggests that the possible passenger numbers using the service could be almost 600 per day
The NTA should now work with the local community and other interested parties and stakeholders in seeking a way forward that would keep the railway line operating as a going concern. Moreover, the "Save the Rail Group" in Wexford and Rail Users Ireland should be facilitated in their efforts.
I understand that "Save the Rail" Group in Wexford have already met with their opposite group members in Wales and are exploring EU funding to support a community rail partnership.
It is clear that there exists both market and demand in the South East for a regional passenger rail service.
It would be a terrible shame if the Rosslare - Waterford line which survived the closure of so many railway lines in the 1950's and 1960's should now suffer that fate a half century later after 105 years in operation.
Rail transport is the sustainable way forward for commuters, goods and services for the future.
Ultimately, the Minister for Transport should be showing leadership. Alas this is sorely lacking.
