Proposed rail cutbacks would cost 600 jobs

MORE than 600 jobs will be lost and some of the country’s most needy communities will be dealt a severe blow if Iarnrod Éireann proceeds with cuts and line closures outlined in an internal report, a key union warned yesterday.

The warning came as rail workers, politicians, business and farm leaders asked Transport Minister Seamus Brennan to confirm in writing he does not plan to close any of four rail lines as a cost-cutting measure.

An Iarnrod Éireann report says cutbacks, which include closing four lines and suspending freight business, are only proposals.