“I don’t see it as dropped”- Minister for Transport on Waterford-Wexford rail line
L-R: Ministers John Cummins, Darragh O'Brien, Mary Butler and Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council Seán McKeown pictured at the North Quays Transport Hub. Photo: Patrick Browne
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD said he was unhappy with how Government changes to the Waterford-Wexford railway line have been communicated to the general public.
Plans to re-introduce the Waterford-Rosslare railway line were included in the previous government’s All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review for 2024. Those same plans were excluded from the same document’s ‘prioritisation strategy’ in 2025.
The line has been out of use since 2010 but maintained by Irish Rail.
Asked by the what was the rationale behind the Department of Transport’s decision to drop the line from medium-term plans, Minister O’Brien said: “I don't see it as dropped or postponed.
“I wasn't happy how it was communicated, I'll be very honest. Both Mary (Butler), John (Cummins) and I discussed that too.
“I think there are real opportunities to improve rail connectivity and rail services here, because we have existing lines that need to be utilised.”
Minister O’Brien said 290 additional rail cars would be added to the transport fleet by 2027. He said the influx would help redeploy lines across the country.
He said steps were also being taken with Iarnród Éireann to improve the timing and frequency of the Waterford-Limerick Junction line.
“I'm actively looking at what we can do to bring forward improvements on Waterford- Wexford, to see if we can move that timeframe forward,” Minister O’Brien said.
“This hub (North Quays transport hub) is going to make a big difference, okay?
“Because we've got dual tracking coming in here, so now you've got the physical infrastructure to make sure that Waterford is a rail hub, and that will drive new services coming in here too.”
Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane blasted Government upon the release of the newest Rail Review in December.
“The Government does not have a coherent or serious plan for the South East,” Deputy Cullinane said.
“You cannot talk about offshore renewable energy, port expansion and climate targets while abandoning rail. The lack of investment in road and rail is disgraceful.”
While the Waterford-Wexford rail line was excluded from the Government’s prioritisation strategy, the line was projected to be electrified and become more frequent as part of a phased delivery.
The new document projects that changes to the line could see journeys to Dublin become as quick as 1 hour and 22 minutes.
