Mr. Jim Meade:

There is tourism potential, including on the Waterford-Rosslare route. Having grown up in west Clare, I have seen the benefits of the Wild Atlantic Way in recent years. Any facility that adds significantly to tourism will always be of benefit. As to whether we would reopen the line for tourism, I am aware there is a proposal from the local authorities to put a greenway on it. As I stated in an earlier contribution, we will support greenways where appropriate, with the caveat that if we need the infrastructure for public transport in the future, we can take it back. The sugar beet industry was the anchor tenant of the line historically. It went into care and maintenance shortly after the sugar beet industry left. If there were an anchor tenant which needed the line reopened or something very viable, we would consider the matter. If the greenway is the best way to go and it is deemed appropriate, we will support that under licence with the caveat that we can take it back for public transport use should it be needed.