The case for reopening line

Arguments to reopen the line

• The track remains and is in public ownership;

• Cost of reopening disused section from Collooney to Ennis estimated at €150 million - less than 1 per cent of the Government's transport initiative for Dublin, "A Platform for Change", costed at €17.7 billion;

• Rail links from Sligo to Cork and Rosslare, with spurs to Knock and Shannon airports, could form key socio-economic corridor to help achieve balanced regional development;

• Project includes inter-city passenger service, local commuter links and freight service;

• Environmental benefits in offering alternative to car use and road building.