Rail closure claims rejected by Iarnród Éireann; Taoiseach rules out rail lines being axed

Iarnród Éireann has dismissed media reports claiming a significant number of its routes are facing the axe — but has identified four lines at risk of closure due to funding shortfalls.

A newspaper had reported that InterCity services to Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Kerry, Waterford and Wexford were facing closure due to a funding shortfall, but Irish Rail yesterday denied this.

“There are absolutely no plans or consideration being given to curtailing routes in a wholesale fashion as suggested in the newspaper,” said Barry Kenny, corporate communications manager at Iarnród Éireann.