Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I thank the spokespersons of Fine Gael, the Labour Party and the Green Party for tabling this motion. It is nice to have an opportunity to speak on this important matter.

Deputy O'Shea hit the nail on the head when he stated the Government must develop a vision, but the Government has failed to do so for many years. This evening, I learned the Government has not developed rail freight since 1997. Rather, it has dismantled rail freight. Deputy McEntee referred to the many companies in his area and the dedicated freight line running through his county that serves many industries. The Government has not helped to develop rail freight. The heavy vehicles clogging up towns, villages and cities could be taken from our roads and their loads could be put on dedicated rail freight services. While the Minister of State said he would welcome ideas or visions, no one who steps forward with sensible ideas is listened to.

County Wexford has a fine port that is the gateway to Europe. The service it provides could be explored as a means of taking a great deal of freight through Rosslare to France, England, Italy or elsewhere. Many ships leave the port on a daily basis. That this service is not being regularly used is disastrous.

In the early 19th century, there were more rail services than currently. Many railways have been dug up and taken away by successive Governments, but those opposite have been in Government for longer than any other party. The Wellingtonbridge station on the Cork-Wexford line was threatened with closure when the beet industry was removed. We should examine whether the Wellingtonbridge depot could be used as a base for rail freight from Waterford, Cork or elsewhere.

The Tánaiste is muttering under his breath, but that is all the Government has done in recent years. I call on the Government to carry out a feasibility study in respect of re-opening the Newross line, which would benefit the local area by creating many jobs. An unused rail line passes through an industrial area in the town. Regarding the daily train services between Dublin and Rosslare, there are few freight transports.

In my younger days, freight carriages were used daily, but they are never used now. Instead, heavy vehicles are on our roads causing accidents and gridlock. I want to see the Minister of State working closely with Iarnród Éireann to encourage more rail freight. He referred to Transport 21, which does not contain much on this matter and left it to the end. The Government has not actively sought companies to use rail freight on a more user-friendly basis. I hope the Minister of State takes on board the many points raised.

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