Concern expressed that Waterford rail links being left behind
Iarnród Éireann has advised rail customers that full weekday rail services to and from Plunkett Station in Waterford will be in operation from now through Christmas and into the New Year. Stock image
South East On Track issued a statement to Waterford News & Star in which it said the south east region is being left behind, following the recent Government announcement of the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport.
While SEOT welcomed the fact the plan includes many welcome developments, including the commitment to invest between €500m to €1bn in reactivating the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris, it expressed concern that Waterford was being left behind.
"Since 2000, new rail has been constructed to support development around four of Ireland’s five cities," said a spokesperson for the organisation.
"Only Waterford and the South East are left behind - having had a reduction in rail infrastructure due to the unnecessary closure of the Wexford-Waterford rail line during the financial crisis in 2010," he added.
"The line has continued to be maintained by Iarnród Éireann, while its reactivation is backed at European level by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and nationally by the Strategic Rail Review."
The spokesperson went on to comment: "Yet, despite this strong policy support, investment for the re-opening of this key rail link has not been secured for the South East, in contrast to the progress achieved in the West where elected representatives successfully championed the restoration of their rail corridor. This highlights a clear imbalance in rail development and future-proofing across the regions."
"It is disappointing that the infrastructure deficit facing the South East and Waterford City will persist for several more years," said the spokesperson.
"We are calling on elected representatives across our region to prioritise the reactivation of the Wexford–Waterford rail line and to work together to ensure it is included in future National Development Plan funding," he added.
