The Transport Minister says his Department has no intention of closing any rail stations.

One rail route between Limerick and Ballybrophy is costing the state €550 per passenger, per journey.

While a new rail network report says €500,000 is needed to maintain rail lines over the next five years.

Dr Sean Barrett Transport Economist at Trinity College it may not be sustainable: “I think the case for them is very weak, like Ballybrophy, like Limerick, Waterford.

“Railways need built up areas and ones that take an hour longer than a railway running parallel to it, don’t really make much sense.”

However Minister Ross told the Seanad he’s against closures.

“No there are no closures being planned, absolutely not. I’ve no intention of closing any railways at the moment.”