Rosslare-Waterford-Limerick railway 'glaringly omitted' by Government
Plunkett Station.
Waterford Council of Trade Unions are calling on local TDs to push for the reestablishment of the Waterford- Rosslare- Limerick train route in light of current Government's failure to connect the South-East.
The council are demanding Ministers Mary Butler and John Cummins clarify the Government's stance over South East railways, which they describe as 'incompatible' with transport policy.
There is one daily service from Waterford to Limerick Junction, with a later connection to Limerick City. There is no direct train route linking Waterford to Wexford.
In 2024, it was revealed that the Waterford-Rosslare route was included in the All Island Strategic Rail Review.
In 2025, however, the Department of Transport omitted the line from their 'prioritisation strategy'.
A WCTU spokesperson said: "The Government appear to be conflicted regarding their commitment to reopening the Rosslare-Waterford-Limerick train route. The transport hub on the North Quays, due to open next year, has built all the required infrastructure for the reopening but in the latest report concerning rail development, this route is glaringly omitted.
"The Waterford-Rosslare railway line was recommended for reopening under the All-Island Rail Review in 2024. However, the Government’s follow-up document, Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy (Dec 2025) does not list this line among short- or medium-term priority projects.
"At the same time, improvements to the Waterford-Limerick service, including a passing loop east of Clonmel and plans for a two-hourly service, are actively progressing, with funding and timelines specified.”
The spokesperson added: "The Government’s long-term objectives include enhancing regional connectivity, supporting economic development, and promoting sustainable transport. Omitting the Rosslare line from immediate priorities contradicts these stated intentions because reopening it would provide crucial passenger and freight connectivity, linking multiple regions including Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, and Galway, and supporting growth around Rosslare Europort."
A meeting organised by South East on Track will take place this Thursday September 3 at 7.30pm in Kinfolk, Wexford Town to discuss 'how to improve the South East’s rail provision.'
