Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. The Rosslare to Waterford line was closed in 2010, having operated since 1906. It connects with the Waterford to Limerick railway line, which continues to operate. Many in south Wexford knew it as the sugar beet track because for a long time the railway line was synonymous with the transportation of sugar beet. It served communities in south Wexford, including Campile, Ballycullane, Wellingtonbridge and Bridgetown. There is a very active local campaign group, South East on Track. Councillor Michael Whelan, who is based in Ballycullane, has been active in terms of examining supporting improved services. The communities in the area would like the development of a greenway which could run in parallel with the rail line.

The Minister of State may be able to update us on the all-Ireland strategic rail review. It is very clear that Government policy is shifting towards a greater use of railway lines. We know that shifting goods onto a railway line rather than using roads reduces the carbon footprint by 75%. The more we can shift freight onto rail, the more environmental sense it makes and the more we can, ultimately, encourage passengers to use railway lines, which makes environmental sense. I appreciate Rosslare Europort is a roll-on roll-off port and therefore may not be ideal for some areas of freight. However, in terms of transporting freight around the south east this is something that would be of particular benefit. While we continue to have infrastructure in place, which includes the longest railway bridge in Ireland over the River Barrow, it is important that we maintain that infrastructure and try to determine whether we can reopen the line.I know the Minister of State is particularly passionate about re-opening the western rail corridor. If we can look at also redeveloping that south-eastern rail corridor, we can have that link between the Dublin to Rosslare line, the Waterford to Limerick line and on to Foynes and so on. That would make a lot of sense. I understand the all-Ireland strategic rail review is to be published shortly and it is imperative that we see this not just specifically for this line but so we have a real debate around transport in Ireland. If we are serious about meeting our climate targets with regard to transport, then we have to look at serious investment in rail. This is not just about re-opening old lines. It has to be about ensuring those lines are attractive to use from a freight, and also from a passenger, point of view. This is something that is growing in interest. I would love to see this rail line re-opened at some stage over this decade and a greenway running parallel to it. This would have huge benefits for the local community if it could be done and I would certainly hope in the context of the rail review that the possibility of re-opening this line could be considered.