City councillors in Waterford are to write to the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, seeking his support for the retention of the Rosslare-Limerick rail service.
At their monthly meeting, several councillors claimed Irish Rail had withheld investment from some routes to make it easier to justify their closure.
Alderman Pat Hayes said CIÉ should be looking at means of promoting the line, such as linking the Rosslare Europort with the mid-west. "Sufficient funding should be provided to upgrade the line and maintain the service for use by those in farming and industry . . . the mind boggles at this decision.
"Look at the closure of the old Waterford-Tramore railway over 40 years ago; now there are over 10,000 people living in Tramore, many of whom would be delighted to use such a service if it still existed."
His Labour colleague, Cllr Seamus Ryan, said: "This railway service has been deliberately run down so the company can claim the service is not profitable.
Senator Maurice Cummins (FG) said he fears the proposed closure will have a detrimental impact on Waterford port.