THE TRANSPORT MINISTER is planning to carry out an in-depth analysis of how the country’s train services are being used.
The consultation has sparked speculation that some routes could be at risk due to the low numbers of people using them.
However, a spokesperson for the Department of Transport told TheJournal.ie,
“The consultation is not designed to identify railway lines for closure but to assess the situation and see where things can be improved to encourage greater use of the network, boost passenger numbers and ultimately put Irish Rail on a sounder financial footing.”
Speaking to Pat Kenny on Newstalk this morning, Minister Paschal Donohoe, said:
The funding is very much in place to maintain what is there ..what I want to put in place is a consultation regarding how rail is conducted here and where the money goes.
“I want to spell out very clearly that we are committed to keeping open the rail lines we are using at the moment, but we do need to communicate to the broader public as to the quantity of investment required. I think it’s very important that we have a broad discussion as to how our rail lines can be used.”
The review is part of a longer-term strategy for land transport in Ireland.
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