Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Transport when he was last briefed on the proposed closure of the Rosslare to Waterford rail line by Irish Rail in view of the fact that this will be a critical link in the context of the fully reopened western rail corridor; the steps that he has taken to examine all possible ways of keeping this commuter rail line open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Irish Rail recently briefed me on the deterioration in its financial position due to declining demand and revenue and increased costs. The company is implementing a wide-ranging cost recovery plan to ensure its financial viability. In this context, I understand the company is considering the suspension of services on the Waterford-Rosslare line.

This line, on which one train operates each way daily, has experienced low patronage for many years with approximately 25 passengers each way per day. I understand that revenue covers only 2% of operating costs and each passenger is being subvented by the State at a cost of nearly €80,000 per annum to travel by rail. Iarnród Éireann has examined an alternative strategy of increasing the service to three rail trips per day. However, even with an average load factor of 42% amounting to approximately 250 journeys each way, the route would still lose €1.9m per annum.

Decisions in regard to services such as those on the Waterford-Rosslare route and their links with other railway routes and services are a matter for larnród Éireann having regard to the resources available to it.

I understand that larnród Éireann has surveyed customers on the route in terms of origin and destination and is examining possible alternative services, which could be provided to customers on the route. I also understand that it is exploring with interested parties the possibility of establishing a heritage railway on the route, which would be of benefit to tourism in the area.