CIE postpones decision on rail closures

CIE's board of directors has decided to postpone a decision on the closure of the Limerick-Rosslare and Limerick-Ballybrophy rail lines.

The postponement follows a request from Transport Minister Seamus Brennan, who asked that the decision be delayed until after his department's strategic rail review is finalised.

Unions have said the closure of the rail lines would cost hundreds of jobs, but Iarnrod Eireann said the routes are underused and are leaking money.

CIE spokesman Cyril Ferris said after today's board meeting that the lines will only remain open if the Government provides more funding.

"The Minister is the sole shareholder and it is a Government decision what happens," he said.

"Obviously, after the strategic rail review, it may well be that we continue to operate services with a changed financial remit."