Concerns over the potential closure of the railway station in Loughrea.
Loughrea in County Galway may be hit by cost savings at CIÉ but the closure of the railway station could weaken prospects for further industrial development in the area. The Loughrea Chamber of Commerce is making the case for the retention of the line.
Denis McCarthy of Loughrea Chamber of Commerce, sets out the problems the closure of the line would have for the town and the reasons to keep it running.
It is of paramount importance to Loughrea that the railway line be kept in full operation.
Twelve years ago, Tina Mines Developments opened, providing jobs for the region. However in the last ten years, not one new factory has opened, raising concerns over the prospects for Loughrea. Discussions are taking place with two industrialists to open factories in the town. Denis McCarthy says if either of these investors hear that the railway line is under threat, they can only assume that the town is in decline. He is critical of CIÉ treatment of the Loughrea line over a number of years. He gives the example of the failure to provide sufficient cargo wagons to transport farm animals from the town. The wagons supplied are infrequent and in poor condition. While road transports is being offered as an alternative Denis McCarthy believes that the railway service is far more efficient. The maintenance of the railway line will be necessary for the success of any industry that opens in the region.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 10 September 1975. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
