Written answers

Tuesday, 6 March 2007

11:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the successful rail freight service being operated by Irish Rail for a company (details supplied) from Ballina to Waterford; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this service is shortly to increase from two to three train loads weekly; if he will clarify the service he referred to in the Houses of the Oireachtas as having failed due to the fact that it was not viable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8248/07]

Photo of Martin CullenMartin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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In the course of my response to Dáil Question No. 76 on 21 February, 2007 I referred to a failed earlier attempt by Iarnród Éireann to provide freight service for Norfolkline. This was a reference to a general unit load service which Iarnród Éireann operated up to Autumn 2005 which was supported by Norfolkline. It consisted of a less than full train load service carrying single containers for multiple customers on the same train. The service was not viable for Iarnród Éireann due to the high railhead operating costs and road shunt costs to/from these railheads incurred by Iarnród Éireann. This particular service was discontinued in Autumn 2005. However, Iarnród Éireann had discussions with Norfolkline about redesigning the business to improve its overall economics and since April 2006 Iarnród Éireann has been operating a very successful railfreight service for the company between Ballina and Waterford Port. Iarnród Éireann has been providing two trains per week in each direction carrying tanks and containers and I understand that Iarnród Éireann are in a position to provide a third train in each direction.

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