Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, I thank the Senator for his comments and his ongoing interest in this important issue and the ongoing interest of many Members of this House in rail expansion. I know that Senator Cassells, in particular, is passionate about the Navan rail line.

The Minister wishes to assure Senator Byrne that the potential of rail connectivity from Rosslare to Waterford is being fully considered as part of the strategic rail review. As I have said previously, the review is unique in that it is being conducted on an all-island basis, in full co-operation with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive and at official level within the Department for Infrastructure. This will provide a holistic overview of the potential of rail on an all-island basis. The review is considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure alongside various existing or potential future corridors of the network, including disused and closed lines. The provision of rail services from Wexford to Waterford, as requested by the Senator, is being considered in that context.

It should nevertheless be noted that if a reopening of the line is endorsed by the review, reopening the lines to passenger traffic would entail a comprehensive body of work. Initially, this would involve a detailed baseline survey to understand the requirements to bring the line back within operating safety and regulatory compliance. While the funding requirement has not been established, some significant cost items would arise, most notably on the Barrow bridge, which would need substantial investment along with investment generally in the railway corridor, some track works, interventions at level crossings and station buildings and the rehabilitation of infrastructure which has been dormant for a long time.

The review is considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure. Rail connectivity to our international gateways, including Rosslare Europort, and the potential role of rail freight will all be considered in the context of considering the reopening of the Rosslare-Waterford line.