Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 371: To ask the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 299 of 25 November 2008, if Iarnród Éireann has undertaken or is planning to undertake any works at North Esk freight yard or at Kent station, Cork which would prevent or add significant costs to the potential reconnection of North Esk freight depot to the rail network; if so, if he will outline those costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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This is an operational matter for Irish Rail. Irish Rail has informed me that no further work has taken place since November 2008 at North Esk depot or at Kent station, which would prevent or add significant costs to the potential reconnection of the depot to the rail network.

I understand, however, that prior to that date, as a result of the loss of keg business in 2006, the track turnouts and crossover were removed. In addition the old signal cabin, which controlled movement in and out of the depot was not renewed or replaced as part of the Cork/Midleton line renewal and resignalling in 2008 and as a consequence was closed. Annual maintenance savings of approx €400,000 were achieved as a result.

In order to re-open the depot Irish Rail has indicated that it would be necessary to install 2 new track turnouts and a crossover and to connect the depot to the new signalling system. It is currently determining the costs involved, as a new business opportunity for rail freight from North Esk has recently been identified.