Speaking in Dail Éireann on Wednesday, Deputy James Browne welcomed an opportunity to address the status of the railway lines and ports and the need to apply for EU funding for railway lines by applying for special designation for the railways.
“This special designation is known as TEN-T status. TEN-T is an EU-supported transport programme that provides funding for designated transport networks including railways.
“The railway runs parallel to the roadway, designated European route E01, which runs from Belfast to Rosslare Europort. It is a critical access way for goods and passengers to gain direct access to the Continent, to which I note Rosslare Europort is the closest port.
“Currently, the Belfast to Dublin section has TEN-T status, but critically that does not continue to Rosslare Europort.”

JAMES BROWNE T.D.

The Enniscorthy-based Fianna Fail TD reminded the members that 80% of the volume of goods leaving Ireland for the Continent use the UK land bridge.
“In almost all scenarios of Brexit, this land bridge will be lost or significantly restricted or will become financially unviable. Tariffs, quotas, customs checks and tolls will all significantly hinder the route via the UK landbridge. Our freight and road hauliers will need alternative access to the Continent especially for agri-food, perishable goods and pharmaceuticals.”
Deputy Browne said; “We see no plans to develop Rosslare as an alternative. Rosslare Europort, which makes a profit of €2.5 million profit per annum, is owned by Iarnród Éireann, which sees it as little more than a cash cow to be milked dry.
He added; “Instead of reinvesting the profits into the port, they are withdrawn to subsidise other parts of Iarnród Éireann. Rosslare Europort needs to be designated with Tier One status. It must be taken from Iarnród Éireann and put into ownership of a stand-alone company.
“The railway line south of Dublin should be designated with TEN-T status to ensure the port and the railway lines are viable. We need to do this in the interest of the entire country to soften the impact of Brexit, protect jobs and open new markets, “he concluded.