Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I have sympathy with the spirit, although not necessarily with the letter, of the amendment. There is not only the safety consideration but there is also the delay involved where there are many manned level crossings. There is a particular section of line, which is the initial part of the famous western rail corridor between Limerick and Ennis, on which there is a large number of manned level crossings, particularly in the vicinity of Limerick city. That means a train moving through the outskirts of Limerick city goes exceptionally slowly. The total journey takes approximately 45 or 50 minutes and the reason for the length of time it takes is primarily due to the number of manned level crossings. I have known a train to virtually stop until somebody has opened the level crossing.

Obviously, safety is the paramount consideration but there are also considerations regarding efficiency and speed. Eight passenger trains travel in each direction on that line and there may be some freight traffic from further north as well. That demonstrates sufficient frequency. Maximum elimination of manned level crossings should be incorporated into the rail safety programme. Apart from anything else, there must be considerable manpower or womanpower costs associated with maintaining those level crossings which are not terribly efficient in this day and age.

Even on the main Dublin to Waterford line outside Waterford city, there is a manned level crossing on the N9, the upgrading of which was announced yesterday. Each time one closes the barriers on a manned level crossing, one adds two to five minutes to the journey time. It is not only a cost for the railway undertaking. If one is talking about the main route outside Waterford city, one is talking about substantial delays for everyone. It is an issue which should be accorded proper and due importance.