Why are we still paying for the rail link?

Why are there still rail links between Cork and Shannon?

The rail link between Cork City and Shannon was a major investment in the 1950s, but the Government has said the project is no longer necessary because the local economy has grown too big.

The Government said the new rail link would provide “significant new benefits” and would not “negatively affect” the quality of life for those living in Cork and the wider Shannon area.

It is understood the project will be put on hold until 2020.

The Rail Link project was one of the main priorities for the Fine Gael Government at the start of the last election, with a key issue on the list of priorities being the number of people who will be moving to the country for work or study.

The State has previously pledged to invest up to €500m in the project, but this has been estimated to cost €1.4bn.