As asked originally by Patrick early on in this thread, and again by Mayner, are any viable freight flows identified for this line?
Much as I want this line to be successful, I'm struggling to find viable flows. Ore was the original one being mentioned, but with all that has happened with the price of zinc and Bolidon/Tara Mines this past couple or years I can't see that happening.
Is biomass a consideration? To Edenderry maybe? Like the Drax in the UK? Imported wood pellets from Canada.
The cement industry has been mentioned too, but what from where would need to go through Foynes Port?
And the renewables industry keeps getting mentioned. But what rail flows could this actively support?
Containers then... I don't believe there is enough import export to the US/South America to support this.
My own opinions. If anyone has other reasonable ideas, suggestions or information I'd love to hear your thoughts.