Sir, - On Monday, December 17th, Iarnr≤d ╔ireann downgraded the Limerick to Foynes railway line to an engineers' siding. This has effectively closed the line. In recent months proposals have been put to the board of Iarnr≤d ╔ireann to abandon freight completely.
On October 29th, the last train-load of gypsum from Kingscourt, Co Cavan to Castlemungret, Co Limerick ran, resulting in the closure of the railway from Tara Mines Junction outside Navan to Kingscourt.
On November 27th the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs O'Rourke, said in the Dβil that "it is the Government point of view, without taking a formal decision, that it would be better to transport goods as far as possible by rail rather than road". The Taoiseach reiterated this point in answer to a question raised by Ruairi Quinn, the leader of the Labour Party, on December 6th.
It is ironic that the latest closure comes so soon after the recent statement in the Dβil by the Taoiseach on December 6th. It raises the question whether the Minister of Public Enterprise is actually aware of what is going on at senior management and board level within Iarnr≤d ╔ireann? How can Iarnr≤d ╔ireann effectively close another railway line, which is contrary to stated Government policy? Surely the closure of the railway to Foynes does amount to a substantial reduction in Iarnr≤d ╔ireann's commitment to freight?
Foynes is one of the fastest growing ports in the republic and the retention of a functioning rail link is vital for the future prosperity of the port and the mid-west region.
If Iarnr≤d ╔ireann is not interested in developing the potential of Foynes, others should be allowed to do so. Ownership of the line must be transferred away from Iarnr≤d ╔ireann. A suitable body should be set up to maintain, market and operate the railway. This could be developed with both Limerick county and corporation development boards and the local community.
This is preferable to allowing it to be downgraded to an engineers' siding, which will ultimately lead to its dereliction and destruction. - Yours, etc.,
Hassard Stacpoole, Ballynacourty, Co Limerick.