Cuffe calls on Dublin Port to reinstate freight trains Green MEP for Dublin Ciarán Cuffe has called for the reinstatement of a freight train service between Dublin Port and Ballina, Co. Mayo. The call comes as the company CLdN cargo ended their direct cargo trains to and from Dublin Port last week. The company has stated that increased traffic has meant they can no longer service trains.Ciarán Cuffe MEP said,“Replacing freight trains with road transport is deeply problematic. It will result in increased road congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Instead we should be increasing freight train operations to tackle the climate crisis.“I am concerned that Dublin Port did not plan ahead to organise for increased freight travel by rail. Ending a freight train service is deeply problematic as it will increase traffic and emissions. One freight train can take dozens of HGV trucks off the roads, and can move goods with a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions. I don’t understand why Dublin Port did not foresee this, and plan accordingly.“Clearly Brexit has contributed to the challenges faced by Dublin Port, and the consequent impact on shipping routes. However this should have been foreseen and planned for five years ago. From a European Union perspective, funds are available under the Brexit Adjustment Reserve Fund to counteract the impact of Brexit. I urge Dublin Port to consider accessing this fund in order to finance reinstating rail capacity.“I have written to Dublin Port urging them to work with Irish Rail to consider how the freight service can be reinstated in the short-term. Looking ahead I urge Dublin Port to ensure that they invest in rail transport. It is a matter of real concern that they have suggested to me that rail services could be diverted to Waterford Port. If they are taking environmental issues seriously they must increase the percentage of freight that is carried by rail through their Port.”ENDS.Released 16.6.21