Believed to be the last branch line in the country the 85 year old rail link to Loughrea is to close.
Loughrea in County Galway is going to be the biggest loser in the Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) countrywide shake-up.
Some towns are to lose passenger services, others freight services, but Loughrea is going to lose both.
For 20 years, the town has fought to keep the Loughrea Attymon branch line open. The link is scheduled to close on 3 November 1975, just one month short of its 85th birthday.
Loughrea does not have any major industries. Twelve years ago, Tina Mines Developments opened, providing jobs for the region, but was unable to use the branch line. JP Cusack, manager of Loughrea Cottons Limited says the closure of the rail line will be a blow as it will increase business costs.
In axing the Loughrea branch line, CIÉ has promised an adequate alternative road, freight and passenger service, but this does not satisfy Loughrea Town Commissioners Chairperson Brendan Donellan. In his opinion, the roads are already choked with traffic and additional freight.
It’s going to be very bad for congestion in the town.
Brendan Donellan has not been told what the CIÉ’ losses are and what would be saved by putting on an alternative service.
They've given us no figures whatsoever.
He suspects railway lines are not making a profit but thinks, as taxpayers, the people of Loughrea deserve a train service to the town. CIÉ should provide a service for the whole community, even if some places show losses.
Chamber of Commerce secretary Denis McCarthy believes the business given to the railway from Loughrea is substantial. He thinks CIÉ could try to provide a service that better fits the needs of Loughrea. While taxpayers' money cannot be sunk into a loss-making railway line, CIÉ has not shown any figures on how much money this little railway station is losing.
CIÉ isn't issuing any official statistics.
Treasurer of the Loughrea Chamber of Commerce and businessman Hans Nebe has learned that an additional business of £300 per week would make the railway line pay. Over a year, this is £15,000.
The Loughrea Town Commissioners are not prepared to let the line close without a fight. A deputation from Loughrea is to call on the general manager of CIÉ to argue that the public transport company has a social obligation to the town. Brendan Donellan hopes they can make their case and get a stay of execution for the station for at least 12 months to see if two proposed new industries open in the area.
A 'Newsround' report broadcast on 28 September 1975. The reporter is Jim Fahy.
