All-Island Rail Review could benefit Waterford

An ambitious new rail way plan could transform the state of public transport in Waterford. 

The All-Island Rail Review aims to make railway journeys more efficient than cars by allowing top speeds of 200km/h to connect cities across Ireland, including Waterford, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Dublin, Belfast and Derry. 

The review was published by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and Minister for Infrastructure in the North of Ireland John O'Dowd. 

The report sets out 32 key points to implement faster, more efficient railway travel, including new 200kmh (125mph) intercity trains, with rail journey times between cities significantly reduced, or, in some cases, halved.

The report’s strategic vision is: “To deliver an accessible, efficient, safe and sustainable transport system that supports communities, households and businesses.”

It aims to do so by contributing to decarbonisation, connecting Irish cities and by improving rural and regional accessibility.

The capital cost of implementing all of the recommendations by 2050 is estimated around €35bn-€37 billion/£29-£31 billion, as of 2023. 

At the launch of the report, Minister Ryan said: “This is an important day for the island of Ireland. This is not just the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review, it is the most ambitious vision for rail in a century, bringing us forward to a new age of rail. This vision has been made possible by close cooperation between the Departments and agencies north and south.

He continued: "Rail not only allows us to carry more people and freight in a more sustainable way, it is the great connector, enabling greater regional accessibility and balanced regional development. The Report provides a long-term vision and a series of recommendations for the sustainable development of the rail network on the island."

Minister Ryan further stated that he hoped that the report would be actioned soon.