Last week we had great interest in our story of a light rail system linking up with the threatened Rosslare Waterford line.
The Suir Valley rail line is proving to be a great success for tourists and with a link to WIT and Carriganore and the old rail bridge across the Suir, the potential is growing.
This could then link up with rail services from Plunkett station
We are delighted to see an action group formed to defend the Waterford Rosslare rail link.
Imagination, energy and ideas can see this take place.
Under state ownership it would be hard to see the Waterford Rosslare line continuing but the company is open to other operators which is a positive approach.
The tram train idea sounds good and can be seen in some locations in Northern England. Germany also has some small rail routes some with just owner operators running a small line.
It is heartening to learn that a UK firm is coming up with new ideas and with EU funding under consideration to combine with Welsh tourism initiatives new funding options may open up.
A link from New Ross which has been open for freight in the past decade to link with Belview container port is linked up.
The really exciting part is re-opening the Tramore rail link using closed lines.
This may not be easy as some farmers along the route may have taken up some of the land area but a start needs to be made.
Combining a cycle route as was proposed for the old Dungarvan rail line could be considered.
Getting trams to run along old train lines may be much cheaper.
We in the Munster Exrpress are not privy to any of the cost details but the ideas if they came to fruition sound fantastic.
Already, we note that the Suir Valley rail line is the second busiest paying tourist attraction in the Waterford area after the Glass this year.
It shows a hunger for rail options in a tourist setting.
In Britain this has been very successful, implementing such ideas here and adding some extra jobs can be achieved and must be done. Political support from around the region is needed and we understand that Kilkenny TDS are supportive as are Wexford, a greater lobby will be required.
