Vol. 555 No. 3
75 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Transport if it remains Government policy that Irish Rail should continue to provide a full national freight service, having regard to the implications for traffic and road safety of transferring freight to the road system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18232/02]
109 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to promote the movement of freight by rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18342/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 109 together.
Earlier this year my Department commissioned a major strategic study of the Irish railway system. The main purpose of the study is to develop a 20-year blueprint for the future of the rail network and to identify priorities for investment. The review when completed will provide a strategic framework for future Government decisions on rail development. The study will specifically address the future of rail freight services, as well as passenger services. In carrying out their analysis and formulating their recommendations, the consultants will take account of the environmental and safety factors as mentioned by the Deputy.
Among other things, the study will have regard to the recent EU Commission White Paper, European Transport Policy for 2010, which aims to promote the revival of the rail network in the EU, particularly the rail freight network. I expect that the strategic rail study will be completed before the end of this year and I will then consider the recommendations arising from it before presenting it to Government. Government policy in relation to rail freight will remain unchanged until the rail study has been completed.
Is the Minister aware that CIE has reduced the carrying of freight by 48% and that there are major fears in relation to the closure of the freight aspect of CIE's services in the south-east? This is particularly so in Wexford in relation to the Waterford-Rosslare line and also in Cork in relation to today's announcement about IFI. Will the Minister give the House an unequivocal guarantee that the freight rail services in the south-east will remain open, particularly in the context of the growth in population in the towns of the south-east area, many of which serve as dormitory towns for the greater Dublin area? Will the Minister give a commitment that these important rail services for the south-east and Wexford will remain open and be up-graded?
In relation to rail freight, will the Minister give a commitment to ensure that the following rail lines remain open: the Kilronan-Ballybrophy line, the Limerick Junction-Rosslare Europort line, the Gorey-Rosslare Europort line and the Manulla Junction-Ballina line? In light of the fact that the transport of briquettes, coal, fertiliser, grain, gypsum, molasses, mail, oil, tar and timber has been lost from rail to road, will he ensure that, at national or European level, incentives are put in place to bring those types of products back on to rail transport because the roads are completely congested?
My general policy is to take as much freight as possible off the roads and on to rail transport. Deputy Burton asked me about Wexford. I have no proposals from Iarnród Éireann to run down the freight service in that region or to close lines anywhere in the country. When the study comes in before the end of the year, I will be able to take a broader look at the rail-freight business.
The Minister is not prepared to give a guarantee that the service in Wexford will not close.
