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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

594 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Transport if the rail line between Manulla Junction and Ballina, County Mayo, will be closed; and if he will consult the board of Iarnród Éireann as to whether the said railway line will be closed; and the position regarding freight service for Ballina. [20258/02]

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that it has taken no decision to close the Ballina to Manulla line. The question of freight traffic from Ballina, as with all of Iarnród Éireann's freight business, is the subject of a review being carried out by the management of Iarnród Éireann on the implications for this business resulting from the serious loss of revenue associated with the closure of IFI.

Earlier this year my Department engaged consultants to undertake a strategic study of the Irish railways, embracing both rail passenger services and rail freight. The primary purpose of the study is to provide the Government with a basis for establishing a strategic policy framework for the future development of the sector in Ireland. Thus the review will examine the long-term rail requirements for the country as a whole in the light of the emerging spatial planning and regional development policies and local land use and transportation studies. The study is due to be completed by end 2002. I expect that any decision on the future of rail freight to be taken in the context of the strategic rail review and both the long-term national interest and the interest of Iarnród Éireann.

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