Strength in numbers as call made for Government investment in Waterford rail services
Vintage engraving of a Victorian goods engine, 'The Fish Train', in the 19th Century, leaving Fenit for Waterford.
Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has said that a sharp increase in passenger numbers on the Waterford to Dublin rail line strengthens the case for urgent Government investment in faster and more frequent services.
Figures released to Deputy McGuinness by Iarnród Éireann, following a parliamentary question to the Minister for Transport, showed that passenger journeys on the route rose from 1,693,369 in 2024 to 1,817,279 in 2025, an increase of almost 11 per cent.
Commenting on the matter to Waterford News & Star, Deputy McGuinness said: “The growth in demand comes at a time when commuters are calling for improvements to the frequency and speed of services. These figures confirm what people in Waterford already know. Demand is rising strongly, yet the service remains too slow and too limited."
He said the journey time by rail from the Déise county to the capital didn't compare favourably to making the same journey by car.
"The train journey to Dublin takes more than two hours and fifteen minutes," he said.
"That is increasingly uncompetitive when compared to private car travel," he added.
"If Government is serious about balanced regional development, it must invest accordingly.”
He said ministers frequently reference major infrastructure investment but added that the south east "continues to rank lowest" in per capita Government infrastructure spending.
Deputy McGuinness said he and his Sinn Féin party colleague, Deputy David Cullinane, were consistent in their criticism of ongoing delays holding back the reopening of the Waterford to Rosslare line.
He said the focus must now turn to delivery.
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“The Government should introduce a morning and evening express service from Waterford to Dublin with limited stops, bringing journey times closer to 100 minutes," he said.
"This should align with the opening of the North Quays Strategic Development Zone and the new Integrated Transport Hub currently under construction," he added.
Deputy McGuinness said the All-Island Strategic Rail Review provides a clear mandate for faster, more frequent intercity connections and with that in mind he said Waterford cannot be left behind once again.
“With passenger numbers rising year on year, the Minister for Transport must now prioritise the full development and modernisation of this line," he said.
