Waterford transport networks ‘are secure’

WATERFORD’S rail and air links are secure and progress on the long-awaited motorway is proceeding at pace, Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has confirmed.

A replacement carrier to take up business generated by Euroceltic airlines which withdrew its service last year will be announced within weeks and there is absolutely no threat to the rail link with Rosslare. In fact, the government plans to invest €5 million improving the transport infrastructure of the region, the minister told business leaders gathered in Waterford yesterday.

No rail lines anywhere in the country will close but local businesses and enterprise groups must do what they can to help develop passenger through-put, the Minister told Waterford Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders from the south east yesterday.

Even though the city was designated ‘hub’ status in the National Spatial Strategy, business leaders are concerned over the comparatively poor air, rail and road networks in the Waterford region.

The Limerick to Rosslare line, critical for beet transport, as well as container business, is to be maintained, the minister confirmed and freight operators are to be invited to take up more space. And an announcement on a new carrier for Waterford Regional Airport will follow shortly.

“Waterford Regional Airport is secure. Within the next couple of weeks we will be announcing our package for the airport. We have allocated €5 million to the motorway design to Dublin and we will start with the Waterford side of it. The tenders for the route will be awarded by the end of this year,” said Mr Brennan.