Calls for clarity on Government’s stance on Waterford-Rosslare railway line

The Waterford Council of Trade Unions (WCTU) has called for clarity on the Government’s stance on the Waterford-Rosslare railway line.

In particular, WCTU has called on Waterford TDs and Ministers, Mary Butler and John Cummins, to clarify the Government’s position on the line’s potential reopening.

A WCTU spokesperson said: “The Government appears 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.”

The spokesperson noted that improvements are being made to the Waterford to Limerick Junction line.

“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 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.”

The union group further outlined the uncertainty over the funding of these transport improvements.

“Waterford Council of Trade Unions had anticipated improved rail connectivity, and campaigned for the same, but are left with uncertainty regarding timing and investment, which could impact commuter access, freight logistics, along with a failure in local community and economic development.”

“This call for response from the Government on this issue comes ahead of South East on Track, who campaigns for the reopening of the Waterford-Wexford rail line, being involved in a public meeting on the future of rail in Wexford this week.”

The spokesperson continued by highlighting the campaigning work done by WCTU on the issue.

“WCTU has been involved in campaigning for the reopening of the rail line for a number of years, including leading on getting a motion passed on Waterford Council’s Environmental SPC, which called for the Minister to open this route, as well as running a poster campaign across the city.

“WCTU is campaigning alongside South East on Track to develop this route and utilise the infrastructure already in existence for the people of the South East.

“The need for rail connectivity across the South East has never been greater.

“With fines coming from Europe due to our inability to reduce our carbon emissions and increasing climate crises across the globe - investment in rail transport in line with neighbouring counties is an obvious route for climate action.”

WCTU concluded by saying that it is urgently awaiting a response from the two Waterford ministers.