AT A time when the Government is committed to reopening the western rail corridor, a decision by Iarnród Éireann to close the Rosslare/Waterford rail line appears to be perverse. The once-a-day train service in either direction is losing money, but critics maintain that a deliberate reduction in services, a lack of promotion and poor timetabling has brought about that situation.
A final decision on the matter may be taken by the National Transport Authority tomorrow when its board meets to consider a number of submissions. Iarnród Éireann maintains the service attracts about 25 passengers a day and lost most of its freight business following the closure of the sugar beet industry. Business leaders and local authorities favour a “community rail partnership” along UK lines whereby the rail company would continue to run the trains and local groups would promote and market the service. This would involve an enhanced timetable and extra train services.
The line is one of the oldest in Ireland and was completed in 1854. It crosses the 650-metre Barrow Bridge, which was built in 1906 and is the longest in the State. The route is regarded as being extremely scenic. Despite these attractions, the line has not been promoted by Iarnród Éireann. The early morning train from Rosslare meets the overnight ferry from Fishguard and terminates at Waterford with no onward connection. Eight years ago, the rail company wanted to close the Waterford/Limerick Junction line but was prevented from doing so by the Government.
One of the justifications for reopening the western rail corridor was that it would connect the north-west with the south-east and provide access to British and European cities through Rosslare ferryport. A low carbon footprint and the retention of a non-radial route that would service commuters and holidaymakers in the west and south were other considerations. If the Rosslare/Waterford closure goes ahead, that case will be fatally weakened.
Local bodies oppose the plans to shut the line. Improved connectivity with ferry, train and bus is being demanded, along with three trains a day in each direction. The possibility of running the Dublin/Rosslare train through to Waterford and of developing it as a summer, seaside service has also been raised. Creative thinking will be required if the situation is to be turned around. But it is hard to escape the conclusion that services have been run down in order to justify closure.