Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this debate because I was brought up on a farm split in two by a railway line that carried freight from Gypsum Industries four times per day. The cows used to go under the line in the morning and across it in the evening. Due to a dispute 15 years ago after the then Minister, Senator O'Rourke, spent a fortune improving the line between Kingscourt and Navan, it closed and has never been re-opened. As it went from Kingscourt through Navan, Duleek and Drogheda to the line called for by Deputy Glennon, I wish to speak on what he called a "possibility".

Since the close of the Kingscourt-Navan line, several industries have taken over and there is a need for a freight railway. In County Meath, particularly in Nobber and Kilmainham Wood, Gypsum Industries is stronger than ever. It imports raw material by road to sustain itself, material that leaves the next morning in a different manner. All of the raw materials used by College Proteins, one of the largest and most up-to-date rendering plants in Europe, arrive by road, which is grand at this time of year, but is not as nice during summer, as Deputy Johnny Brady across the road from me knows. This is another way in which rail freight could improve the area. Further down the road, Thornton's Recycling and another company have set up recycling plants to which thousands of tonnes of materials are brought, while Kingspan and Kingscourt Brick Limited are in Kingscourt. There are several areas where a freight railway could be introduced.

The line in question is intact, but it is never mentioned when we discuss the lines from Dublin to Dunboyne and Navan. Every rail crossing in Wilkinstown, Kilberry, Castletown, Nobber, Kilmainham Wood, Gypsum Industries and Cabra Castle could be re-introduced. People do not know the line exists and our county manager was flabbergasted to see it. The industries have destroyed our roads. It is a difficult situation for the contractors and lorry industry, members of which I have met several times. They will go out of business because of the time it takes to get from A to B. Their business could be put elsewhere if we placed stop lines in the areas where the raw materials are used.

In Nobber, the railway's edge has seen a significant historical find, namely, a crannóg. Dug up 20 years ago, we have learned it is older than Newgrange, Knowth or Dowth. While I may not see it, I intend to get the ball rolling to bring more visitors in by railway rather than road.

I ask the Minister for Transport and his colleagues to plan for 50 years from now. As Ireland will have 6 million to 7 million people, many of whom will be on the east coast, we will need freight railways. The 22-mile stretch between Kingscourt and Navan is lying idle despite the millions of pounds spent on it and the then Minister's good work. This issue must be examined and put on the agenda sooner rather than later.

We cannot all travel by car or lorry. Freight trains travelling from one end of the country to the other will be the solution. It will reduce a great deal of congestion on our roads and leave them like the Drumcondra Road in Dublin, that is, with no lorries on them. Too many businesses are going out of business because of the length of time they must spend on the road. The 22-mile stretch in question is ready to go and is an example of what could be done. With so many industries in the north Meath and Cavan area, a survey on the profitability of the line would be worthwhile.

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