A Clare TD has described any threat to the Ennis to Athenry rail route as “a regressive step.”
Iarnróid Éireann has again floated the option of closing down four routes across the country in a bid to save the company from bankruptcy.
They’re calling on the government to invest in the rail network to save it, and says any closures will ultimately come down to a policy decision.
Clare FM’s Fiona McGarry reports:
Irish Rail says the four routes suggested in their submission would save them 17.6 million euro per year if they were axed.
The Mid-West would be the worst-hit if the closures went ahead – with three of the routes across Clare and Limerick.
The 58km stretch of track between Ennis and Athenry re-opened in 2010 at a cost of 106 million euro – and Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey believes it’s vital to maintain it.
He wants to see strong transport links here to give the region a chance to compete with the capital.
Irish Rail says 2.8 million euro would be saved if the Ennis-Athenry line was shut, and has floated the option in a submission to the Labour Court where its staff are seeking a pay increase of 3.75 per cent.
Today though, the company is downplaying the statement.
The measure has been outlined as a possibility by both Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority – but only if the government doesn’t come up with funding.
A review of the rail service last year found that serious savings need to be made in order to protect the company from going bankrupt.
Corporate Communications Manager with Irish Rail Barry Kenny says it’s up to the government now.
