Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise an issue on behalf of the Mayo industries which are incredibly disappointed to learn of the decision by Dublin Port to cease facilitating the rail freight service from Ballina. I understand Dublin Port took this decision without prior consultation with Irish Rail and its customers. The service has not operated since this day last week. Irish Rail has confirmed it is seeking the restoration of these services and will continue to engage with Dublin Port to achieve this. There is increasing demand for rail freight services from Mayo and a new Ballina to Waterford rail service is set to commence next month. This should not happen at a time when climate action is seen as a key priority for society. We should be promoting more sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, not moving away from them. I urge the Government to remind Dublin Port of previous investment in rail. I recall that a new rail spur opened by the Tánaiste in 2011. It is foolish to reduce rail services for what appears to be operational convenience to free up parking spaces for HGVs.

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