I propose to take Questions Nos. 23, 35, 48 and 72 together.
I have stated consistently that I believe that every effort should be made by Irish Rail to develop its rail freight business. Since the publication of the strategic rail review earlier this year, my Department has held a number of meetings with Irish Rail at which the company has reported on its progress in improving the performance of its freight business. Irish Rail's immediate priority is to achieve financial viability for its freight business. The company's strategy is to develop the profitable traffics such as bulk cement and mineral ore concentrates and reshape the loss making container business.
Irish Rail informs me that the fortunes of its freight operations have improved considerably in recent times. It has secured two major contracts and is in the process of consolidating those markets which are financially sustainable.
The company has stated that it is confident that the outlook for its freight business is promising in the short to medium term.
With regard to the allocation of individual pieces of equipment between different Irish Rail facilities, this is an operational matter for the company itself to decide. However, I understand that no plans exist to remove or replace any serviceable gantry. Individual smaller pieces of machinery can and are moved between different depots to provide necessary services from time to time.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 7.