IRISH ANGLE

Discussions on reopening closed lines continue as a strategic review is announced

Reopenings would benefit passengers and freight.

ENVIRONMENTAL issues continue to be discussed at Irish government level in connection with the objective of having zero-emissions transport by 2040.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has authorised a Strategic Rail Review, and its terms of reference and other details are planned to be published by late March. The announcement that a review has been authorised comes as decisions regarding the possible reopening of three closed lines reach a crucial stage.

The EY report (see Headline News last issue), which stated that the Athenry to Claremorris section of the Western Rail Corridor (WRC) should not be reopened, has been criticised by politicians, local media and pro-rail lobby group ‘West on Track’. The group said it disagreed with the estimated cost of reopening the line, and that it would challenge the report by carrying out its own study. A team of financial experts and civil engineers had been brought together from within the group, and when its work is complete the findings will be submitted to the authorities.

Prior to the news that a review had been authorised, Mr Ryan commented that reopening of the single track freight-only Limerick to Foynes line “made sense.” His positive outlook was because preliminary studies, part funded by the Shannon-Foynes Port Authority, indicated that reopening would improve access to the facility and help reduce road traffic levels in the greater Limerick area. The scheme would cost €45 million.

Ports and freight

Mr Ryan stated that he would also like to see improvements in rail connectivity between the west of Ireland and ports on the south coast, plus better utilisation of the Limerick Junction to Waterford line.

His comments were subsequently supported by International Warehousing and Transport (IWT). The company stated there was now a “shift in trade patterns” post-Brexit, and that it was actively investigating potential new traffic from Ballina to Cork and Waterford.

IWT also declared that reinstatement of freight traffic between Ballina and Foynes was also a possibility if the Athenry to Claremorris section of the WRC was reopened.

The company added it was important that the government should consider making rail freight more financially attractive by reducing its charges.

The rail link between Waterford and Belview continues to see irregular use, with the only traffic being trainloads of imported rail destined for Portlaoise PW yard, and the campaign to reopen the closed section between Belview and Rosslare Strand is continuing. Lobby group ‘South East on Track’, which is at the forefront of the campaign, has compiled a strong business case that it has submitted to the authorities. The promoters of an alternative scheme that would see the line converted into a greenway have received a further setback. An application to the Government for their project to be included in a €240 million nationwide scheme has not been successful.