Submission to the NTA about Waterford-Rosslare?

[Charlie Hungerford]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

The actual running cost is 1.9 million per annum, of which 55% is pure staff cost. A significant service level increase would be offset in full by increased revenue as much of the cost base is fixed.

It seems that, if that is the case, additional services would make a significant inroad into the losses. Indeed, converting the level crossings to automatic operation would significantly reduce the running costs too based on those figures.

My real concern is whether the NTA will stand up to IE given as the Tribune revealed months ago, the closure is essentially a political decision sanctioned at some unofficial level by the Minister for Transport. May I suggest that a well-worded FOI to the Department of Transport might make interesting reading?

[Mark Gleeson]

Waterford-Rosslare service update, 15th July

As customers will know, Iarnród Éireann has applied to the National Transport Authority to suspend Rosslare-Waterford rail services on 21st July, with an alternative bus service to be provide by Bus Éireann from 22nd July onwards.

No decision has yet been made by the National Transport Authority in relation to this application.

Therefore, the existing rail schedule will continue beyond 21st July until further notice. We will advise customers as soon as further information is available.

Curiously a letter was handed in to the CIE group secretary on Tuesday seeking withdrawal of the notice citing several flaws and omissions in the text

Services will continue until at least September 3rd, though probably until September 30th

[Mark Gleeson]

Just to be clear

1. The fact the NTA are taking there time and are considering submissions forced this change

2. The law requires 8 weeks notice of the intention to close, its open ended. Irish Rail can close any day from July 21st onwards

3. The legality of the notice issued on May 21st is in some doubt and has been subject to legal review by several parties and formal complaints by others including RUI

4. For a legal point of view Irish Rail can claim the legal right to close the line on July 21st and pay the resultant penalty from the NTA, however this would leave Irish Rail management in breech of the CIE code of ethics

ensure one's actions comply with relevant contractual obligations

The future of regional rail routes in Ireland hangs on the outcome of the NTA decision

[ThomasJ]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

Just to be clear

1. The fact the NTA are taking there time and are considering submissions forced this change

2. The law requires 8 weeks notice of the intention to close, its open ended. Irish Rail can close any day from July 21st onwards

3. The legality of the notice issued on May 21st is in some doubt and has been subject to legal review by several parties and formal complaints by others including RUI

4. For a legal point of view Irish Rail can claim the legal right to close the line on July 21st and pay the resultant penalty from the NTA, however this would leave Irish Rail management in breech of the CIE code of ethics

The future of regional rail routes in Ireland hangs on the outcome of the NTA decision

Surely, given there are issuess with the original notice, the 8 week notice is not valid is it?

[Mark Gleeson]

I would expect to see a new notice.

The line remains open, in some respects the longer it remains open the more likely it will be retained.

[Mark Gleeson]

RTE changed the report for the 6-1 to reflect the truth

[Colm Moore]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

RTE changed the report for the 6-1 to reflect the truth

Website still says this. Were you talking to someone in RTÉ?

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0718/rail.html

Waterford-Rosslare line set to close
Sunday, 18 July 2010 13:59

Iarnród Éireann has said it is unlikely that the Waterford-Rosslare rail line will ever reopen after services are officially suspended next Wednesday.

The company says the line, which has existed for more than 100 years, is no longer economically viable.

Campaigners say thousands of people have signed petitions to keep the line open and more people would use it if more trains were scheduled on the service.
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There is only one train from Rosslare to Waterford in the morning and one back in the evening.