Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

He is investing money in the old railway line between Kilrush and Kilkee which he intends to reopen as a tourist attraction. He has confidence in the rail service in County Clare.

I would like to discuss the history of the freight service in County Clare. When I was growing up, I often saw timber being taken away from Ennis railway station. I understand that approximately 80 carriageloads of trees used to leave Ennis every week. There are many forests in County Clare. Some 20 carriageloads would leave Ennis for Waterford three or four times a week. Timber is now being transported to the Minister's constituency of Waterford by road, which is obviously putting a great deal of pressure on the road network. We are aware that it costs a great deal of money to build roads. Deputy Ellis mentioned that it was probably more profitable and viable for companies to transport timber by road. The disadvantage of transporting freight by rail is that Ireland is a small country with short distances between urban areas. This is cancelled out by the numerous advantages of rail transport. The damage caused to roads when they have to support heavy loads is not a factor when the rail network is used. Roads are not built to tolerate sustained use of that nature. Some 80 truck journeys now made between Ennis and Waterford each week did not have to be made some years ago when a freight service was in operation in County Clare.

Since the opening of the Dublin Port tunnel, there has been a reduction in the number of trucks on the quays in Dublin and a consequent improvement in the flow of traffic. Additional problems have developed on the M50, however, because lorries are having to use that route. If more rail freight services were available, it would help to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions, as other speakers have said. It would also be in the interests of road safety, as Deputies have mentioned, as many articulated trucks are involved in accidents.

I ask the Minister, Deputy Cullen, to check whether something I have heard about Iarnród Éireann is true. I was told yesterday that many of the new commuter trains which operate on lines such as the Ennis-Limerick line do not carry small parcels and similar items. If one is expecting a parcel being transported from Dublin to Clare, one has to go to Limerick to collect it, as it will not be carried any further. I would like to know why small and secure areas where packages could be held while they are transported to Ennis are not set aside on such trains. It is a pity that an existing service has been downgraded in such a manner. I ask the Minister to examine this matter.

I would like to highlight a problem we will face if we want to restore freight services. I have been told by someone I know who works for Iarnród Éireann that many of the carriages which were once used to transport timber, cement and kegs have been cut up. There is no longer a surplus of carriages which can be used. Iarnród Éireann would have to invest heavily in new carriages before it could participate in the freight sector once more. It is obvious that the company does not have a long-term policy of developing its freight business.

I am delighted that progress is being made with the western rail corridor which should have been reopened before now. It is planned to reopen the line between Ennis and Athenry by 2008 and I hope that deadline will be met. Iarnród Éireann is considering the possibility of reopening Sixmilebridge railway station and other stations, which would be welcome. The reopening of stations such as Crusheen railway station could be facilitated as part of the redevelopment of the northern stretch of the line between Ennis and Athenry. Such measures would help to provide a rail service for people in rural areas. I do not doubt that the upgrading of the track that forms the western rail corridor which will cost approximately €1 million per mile is an exciting project. The redevelopment of the line between Ennis and Athenry will cost approximately €36 million. I hope the target date will be adhered to. My colleague, Deputy Neville, will probably speak about the railway line between Limerick and Foynes, the biggest port in the mid-west region. It is a shame that the line in question has been closed. All the freight out of Foynes is going by road. I am delighted the Minister is in the House. I hope he will take on board the views of the Opposition and that the rail freight sector can be expanded because the business exists for it.

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