Don't axe the Wexford (Gorey-Rosslare) train- save and improve it instead!

The train arrives in Dublin too late for work meetings. It takes too long also, reduce journey time and I would become a regular user.

Quick update on the rail situation. I received this reply to my mail to the council : Oonagh, I have been asked to respond to your email on behalf of the Forward Planning Section. The current Wexford County Development Plan 2013-2019 contains a number of Objectives in support of the maintenance and improvement of the rail connections in Wexford which are seen as crucial to the economic and social development of the County. We will be commencing the review of the existing County Development Plan in the first quarter of 2017 and will be undertaking public consultation and seeking submissions in advance of the preparation of the new plan during this time. We would welcome submissions with regard to this matter at that time. There will also be further opportunities to input into the development plan during the various stages of its preparation which we end with its adoption it 2019. All public consultation periods will be advertised in the local newspapers. I trust this is of assistance. This is my reply FYI Thank you. Irish rails public consultation closes in early January. I hope that even though your public consultation is not open before theirs closes, that the council will be stating he case (on theirs) as to the need for infrastructure in Wexford and the importance of not letting the train service go. Thanks and regards Please don't forget to keep sharing the petition. I am trying to get it over 1000 before I send in as part if irish rails public consultation (939 currently)

This is an important service please don't axe it

A massively important county less than 2 hours from Dublin with an internationally known and very busy ferry port... with no rail connection to the capital? Ireland... are you joking?

Don't axe the wexford train. public transport system has become a joke stop sending Ireland back to the dark ages and cutting off the sunny south east it will effect tourism numbers will drop and then local businesses will fuffer ...build the system back up .

A vital piece of infrastructure used by my family mainly in the summer when we holiday in Rosslare. Would be a terrible shame to have it removed and would be going against stated policy to promote public transport in rural areas

This is a vital facility. Sort out the ridiculous prices and co ordinate to sync with Rosslare port and the train service will flourish. The train journey from Dublin Wexford is one of the South Easts best kept secrets and least publicised experiences. If the service was as affordable as the bus service no one would choose the bus over the train.

Wendy Staunton Im so sorry- i qas attempting to highlight your comment and deleted by mistake! If you get a chance to repost it woukd be grear. Apologies again

Reply I received from Brendan Howlin Dear Oonagh, I apologise that your previous mail did not receive a reply. I can assure you that I am treating the matter of the train service from Dublin to Rosslare as something that is vital to the economic and social development of County Wexford. As Ireland begins to emerge from some of its dreadful economic difficulties it is clear that investment in our rail infrastructure is vital. It is also my view that the future of Rosslare Port is directly linked to the enhancement of the rail line. I believe that any threat to the closure of this line is also a threat to the Port itself. During my time as Minister I was determined that County Wexford would not be abandoned, as happened in the past, and that the infrastructure required to make the County an attractive place to live, work and indeed create jobs was in place. I see a quality rail service as vital in this regard. I can assure you that you have my full support in your campaign and that I will fight any attempt to downgrade, reduce or stop rail services in Co. Wexford. Best regards Brendan Howlin TD

How ridiculous that they want to close this very important service, and one of the most scenic train journeys in Ireland.

The train like should be saved and improved, with train times making sense with the boats coming in and also for locals so that three times available are useful to them

Sign and don't regret not having signed.

Much needed and relied-upon service for our area. It's the 'Euro-Port', enough said.

Investing in a proper public transport system is the only way to go in this era of climate change

Please save our Wexford railway service. A life line to our otherwise forgotten town.

Personally I don't use service that often but its vital for some and a lot nicer than been stuck in a car or even a Bus. We lost out service from rosslare to waterford enough is enough

There are people who don't drive. But are able still to take a trip down to wexford for the day. Also a lot of people who do drive like myself would rather sit in on the train to go to wexford than drive. Keeps traffic off the road.please do not get rid of a treasure and treat.

Need to RE-structure Rail system all over Ireland in consultation with Public needs.

Reply received tonight from Barry Kenny of Irish Rail. I will be viewing the rail report over the weekend to see how to be heard in the public consultation: Hi Oonagh, Thank you for your email, and I’m sorry for the delay in replying to you. As you may have seen, the Rail Review report was published this week, and is available to view and download from the National Transport Authority website. A public consultation on the review, and the future role of rail, is also underway, and is open until 18th January 2017. The report outlines the costs of operating the current network and services Iarnród Éireann is contracted to provide, the revenues from all sources, and identifies a funding gap of over €100 million per annum. If this was to continue, we would see the service standards and safety of our entire network deteriorate, when our ambition is to improve both. Therefore, it outlines three scenarios: 1. That the Exchequer funds the gap entirely, to maintain the current network and service levels at their current standards 2. That current funding levels continue, which would necessitate a major programme of line closures. 3. A combination of increased funding and some line closures. In the third scenario, the four routes which require the largest subsidies per passenger are identified, the fourth of which is Gorey to Rosslare. No decision has been made on closing or retaining any rail lines – the public consultation, being undertaken by the National Transport Authority, will inform consideration of these issues by the Authority and the Government. The report also outlines the strengths of rail, and the policy considerations which must be taken into account when deciding on the future role of rail. This is clearly an issue you and many others feel strongly about, and to that end I would encourage you to participate in the public consultation to ensure your views are heard. I would however reiterate that no decision has been mad

Wexford cannot not afford to loose this service. Services are already depleted with the closure of the Waterford route.