Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minster's reply indicates that the number of passengers on that line has increased, if it is 27,000, because it was reported locally that there were 23,000 passengers, which is a drop of 1,000 on the previous year.

It is an important service. It serves a regional need, from south Laois right down through north Tipperary and into Limerick Junction, and it is important that it is retained. Students use it. Commuters use it for work in Limerick. Residents from south Laois take the train from Ballybrophy.

The line has been upgraded in recent years. There has been substantial funding put into the line, particularly from Roscrea southward, and it is important that we do not close it after upgrading it. There is a section of it still to be upgraded.

The Government should ensure that Iarnród Éireann comes forward with a business plan to grow the amount of business on the line. I will not have the opportunity to contribute again because of time, but I ask also that the line should be used for freight. What is Iarnród Éireann doing to develop the level of freight business on that line? Currently, it is used only for passengers. It is not used 23 hours a day. We should be looking at getting other business onto the tracks. The tracks are there and there was considerable funding put into it. We need to develop the business. I would like to see such opportunities being taken up.

Also, Iarnród Éireann should strive to increase the number of passengers using the service. There is potential to develop both tourism and freight services along with the ordinary passenger services. I would like the Minister to get Iarnród Éireann to bring forward a plan for that railway line.

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