The strategic rail review, which I published recently, identified that significant investment was required to maintain and upgrade services on the Rosslare to Limerick Junction line.
The review goes on to state that potential passenger volumes are such that it is questionable whether additional investments should take place, particularly where competing investments of higher societal returns are available.
The review was recently presented to the board of Iarnród Éireann and I expect the company to respond with a prioritised investment plan in the near future.
There is also a role for local authorities to consider future development plans in the context of supporting existing rail infrastructure. This is clearly an issue for consideration by local authorities along the Limerick Junction to Rosslare line, in the light of the conclusions reached by the consultants who undertook the strategic rail review.