REGIONAL AUTHORITY OPPOSES CLOSING OF WATERFORD-ROSSLARE RAIL LINE BY IARNRÓD ÉIREANN
REGIONAL AUTHORITY OPPOSES CLOSING OF WATERFORD-ROSSLARE RAIL LINE BY IARNRÓD ÉIREANN
“The South-East Regional Authority strenuously opposes any proposals by Iarnród Éireann and CIÉ to close or downgrade any part of the South-East Region’s rail network”, so stated Cllr. Thomas Kinsella, Cathaoirleach of the Regional Authority, in response to recent media reports that Iarnród Éireann will confirm a decision within the next few weeks to close the Waterford to Rosslare rail line.
“The Authority views the Region’s rail network, which is well developed and which serves all five counties and the five largest urban centres in the region, as a vital strategic transport asset. As well as providing rail access to the region generally, it also serves the region’s two national ports at Rosslare Harbour and Waterford,” added Cllr. Kinsella.
“The Waterford-Rosslare rail line has been in operation since 1906”, said Cllr. Kinsella. He also stated: “Iarnród Éireann blames the lack of revenue generated to cover the operating costs of the line for the closure, but I believe that this planned closure represents the abject failure of the company to provide an adequate service at times that meet the public need”.
The Regional Authority has, since its establishment in 1994, continually called for the upgrading and improvement of the network. This position has been forcefully articulated by the Authority in its Regional Strategy. “New rail lines have been opened or are in the pipeline in the South-West and Mid-West regions. Why is the South-East region being treated differently? The region will clearly be disadvantaged and marginalised by this decision”, outlined Cllr. Kinsella.
“I, on behalf of my Authority and the residents of the South-East region, will immediately be seeking a meeting with senior Iarnród Éireann management and with the Minister for Transport to outline the Authority’s opposition to this plan and to seek its complete reversal”, stated Cllr. Kinsella.
ENDS
16/03/2010
Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:32 IST
