Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
993 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 25 March 2004 and the recent Government decision to shelve plans for a carbon tax, the plans he has to provide rail freight subsidies to businesses which shift goods from road to rail; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21926/04]
Amharc ar fhreagra994 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of 25 March 2004, the specific funds provided for Irish Rail specifically to support its rail freight operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21927/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 993 and 994 together.
In my response to Parliamentary Question 126 of 25 March 2004 I stated that I had no plans to provide additional funding for Irish Rail specifically to support its rail freight operations. As part of Irish Rail's plans to reshape its loss marking operations the company has restructured its rail freight operations to refocus on the more profitable elements of rail freight and seek out new business in those areas where the rail mode is best suited to the traffic. I understand from the company that it has had some success in this regard and that its efforts are continuing.
