I want to raise an issue on behalf of the Mayo industries which are incredibly disappointed to learn of the decision by Dublin Port to cease facilitating the rail freight service from Ballina. I understand Dublin Port took this decision without prior consultation with Irish Rail and its customers. The service has not operated since this day last week. Irish Rail has confirmed it is seeking the restoration of these services and will continue to engage with Dublin Port to achieve this. There is increasing demand for rail freight services from Mayo and a new Ballina to Waterford rail service is set to commence next month. This should not happen at a time when climate action is seen as a key priority for society. We should be promoting more sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, not moving away from them. I urge the Government to remind Dublin Port of previous investment in rail. I recall that a new rail spur opened by the Tánaiste in 2011. It is foolish to reduce rail services for what appears to be operational convenience to free up parking spaces for HGVs.

I thank the Deputy. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, is very concerned that the question of continuation of rail services into Dublin Port should arise at a time when the focus is on ensuring that our transport modes are environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. The ultimate aim is that rail freight continues to be facilitated by Dublin Port in line with Government policy, particularly having regard to the strategic review of rail freight under way at present. It is also acknowledged that freight by rail can make a significant contribution to climate action and in reducing road congestion in Dublin.

Neither the Minister for Transport nor the Department is directly involved in decisions taken by what is a privately operated terminal in Dublin Port; it is not operated by the Dublin Port Company, which is State-owned. The Minister understands, however, that discussions are continuing to explore a number of options to resolve the current situation. He encourages all parties to engage to ensure difficulties are resolved as a matter of urgency so Irish Rail can maintain and develop its services.