Keep our region on the right track

TODAY the National Transport Authority (NTA) is scheduled to decide on the application by Iarnród Éireann to withdraw passenger services on the Rosslare-Waterford rail line.

This proposal has been erroneously described as closure. Closure, however, means the line cannot be reopened unless it is upgraded to a specification agreed by the Railway Safety Commission. Withdrawal of passenger services, on the other hand, does not preclude the possibility of an Irish Rail freight service using the line nor would it preclude the possibility of the line being used by another licensed passenger operator.

Perhaps today’s meeting will provide an opportunity for the NTA to act decisively as a regulator. Section 56 of the 2008 Dublin Transport Authority Act allows the NTA to step in as an operator of last resort and, in certain circumstances, allows the operator to work the line under contract while another service provider is sought.