Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 11 April 2024

Committee on Public Petitions

Campaign for a Walking and Cycling Greenway on the Closed Railway from Sligo to Athenry: Discussion (Resumed)

Mr. Barry Kenny:

Baxter has taken space on some of the existing rail freight services from Ballina to Waterford. The company indicated to us that post the opening of Claremorris to Athenry and with Foynes line open, it sees a significant role for rail freight in operations. Much of the engagement with such companies is necessarily confidential, but there are quite a number of other companies. We have been engaging with the market and logistics companies. The sustainability of the movement of freight has been much more of an important factor for many companies now. I refer to developing rail hubs, the existing hubs we have, connection support and developing more inland hubs. There will be significant growth in the coming years for rail freight.