Written answers

Thursday, 3 March 2022

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Rail Network

Photo of Matt ShanahanMatt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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8. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the reopening of the Waterford to Rosslare rail line to increase transport flexibility and development in the south-east region given the increasing importance of Waterford and Wexford ports in both national import and export activity in addition to facilitating future offshore wind development installations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10485/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, a decision to remove passenger services on the Waterford to Rosslare line was made in 2010 and a maintenance arrangement was put in place then to allow for its continued maintenance since then. 

I have commissioned a Strategic Rail Review to help inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.  It will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines such as the Waterford to Rosslare line. An important aspect of the Review will be to consider the potential for rail freight and whether opportunities exist to increase its role on the island. 

The Deputy is right to highlight the growing importance of our port network in the south east. It is the case that Waterford and Rosslare handle different types of cargo and that can influence the potential of each with regard to rail freight. Waterford port handles LoLo which is suitable for rail freight, while Rosslare is of course principally a RoRo port and RoRo does not lend itself easily to rail freight.

I do believe there is real potential for Ireland’s ports in the area of offshore renewable energy (ORE). That is why I published a policy statement on the matter last December which makes it clear to the offshore industry that the Government is committed to the provision of port facilities in Ireland for ORE developments. In that regard I very much welcome the fact that Rosslare Europort has submitted an application for EU funding to support it ambitious plans to develop an offshore renewable energy hub.  

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