Irish freight struggles to make case for Western Rail Corridor
Freight train Ireland approaching Waterford (Westontrack.com)
The case for reopening a rail route along the west coast of Ireland is poor, despite interest in mixed traffic. The prospect of freight traffic along a reopened section of line has not been proven, according to reports commissioned by the Irish rail authority. However, local groups claim the reports had too narrow a remit, and did not consider the wider network advantages of completing a reopening programme along the whole west coast of Ireland.
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The E-Y Report is seriously flawed and includes an over-costing of some €168.8m (125% over estimated)to reopen the line. There are currently 150 pulpwood trains annually and 150 return trains that run Mayo to Waterford. Additionally IWT and XPO Logistics are both looking to commence new Ballina to Belview Port Waterford intermodal services (a trial has been run). Mayo presently handles 900 freight trains p.a. Re-opening the WRC will reduce congestion & delays at Kildare on the Cork main line.
I would not overrule corruption as as the cause of closing Irish Rail Freight.
All the intermodal terminals need to reopen and give the road haulage gangsters a run for their money!