John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for the presentation. They have articulated many significant facts that perhaps are at variance with what one sometimes hears with regard to the passenger numbers, which is interesting. We may ask the witnesses to comment on this point later. The proposals in respect of the potential for freight are highly significant. Briefly, before I hand over to members, are the witnesses suggesting that for an investment of €25 million or €30 million, this freight transport potentially could be profitable? The witnesses have stated there are no subsidies at present, that basically, freight is being transported already and people are taking the long way around through the greater Dublin area. Can they reiterate that?

Does Iarnród Éireann agree with this analysis? My perception is that Iarnród Éireann’s policy on freight over the years has been to move away from it. Is there now a change of policy? Does Iarnród Éireann recognise value in the proposal of West on Track?