Calls for express train from Waterford to Dublin to accommodate commuters

A Waterford councillor has called for an express train from Waterford to Dublin to accommodate those commuting to work in the capital.

Fianna Fáil councillor Eamon Quinlan spoke on the subject at the February plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.

Cllr Quinlan said: “I enquired a number of years ago about an express train from Waterford to Dublin.

“In a meeting with Iarnród Éireann, I’d very much like [the council] to point out that if you’re going to work in Dublin from Waterford one or more days a week, you have to take the 5:50am train in order to get there on time for work and then you also come back quite late.

“Some people I know who are doing it are finding it incredibly oppressive on their time, their family and quality of life.

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“Waterford should be a destination where people can live and work in Dublin so I’d like to see an express train that will go straight to Dublin.”

He added that he would like the train to leave at 7am and travel non-stop before reaching Dublin at 8:30am.

In response to Cllr Quinlan, Director of Services Gabriel Hynes said he “100 per cent agreed” with his comments.

He continued: “We need a high frequency of services to and from Waterford on all three lines.

“We will take that away to Iarnród Éireann to ensure there is a satisfactory service and a high frequency service.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Quinlan’s party colleague, Cllr John O'Leary, raised the absence of catering services on board the trains.

Cllr O’Leary said: “It’s chronic and totally bizarre that you can’t get a cup of coffee, a cup of tea or a glass of water all the way from Plunkett Station to Heuston Station, Dublin.

“People are on those trains for over two and a half hours, it’s absolutely ludicrous. Iarnród Éireann needs to step up to the breach and provide some sort of service to the public.”

In response, Mr Hynes said he would take the point on board and also bring it to the attention of Iarnród Éireann.