Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Transport the traffic volumes of rail freight carried in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21292/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The volumes of rail freight carried in millions of tonnes for the last ten years are as follows:

The reduction in Iarnród Éireann's freight traffic volumes over the past 10 years reflects the discontinuation of the production of certain commodities formerly conveyed by rail such as sugar beet and the discontinuation of certain loss-making rail freight activities such as the conveyance of unit load containers and palletised traffic.

Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of developing its rail freight business where opportunities are available and returning the rail freight business to profitability.