Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 February 2026
30. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce a morning and evening express service 'fast train' from Waterford to Dublin, with limited stops, to bring the journey time under 100 minutes and align with North Quays opening (details supplied). [15229/26]
View answerIarnród Éireann is operating all available fleet at their busiest times to meet record demand being experienced on the rail network. As a result, there is currently no additional fleet available for an additional Waterford to Dublin rail service.
As the Deputy may be aware, the Department of Transport, together with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, published the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025. This Strategy outlines how to best sequence and optimise the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which was published in July 2024.
The Rail Strategy specifies short-term rail infrastructure investments, referred to as Early Interventions, to be delivered in the coming years, including new track passing loops and platforms to boost the rail network’s resilience and capacity, which are funded to be fully delivered by 2030 under the NDP Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport, published by the Department of Transport in November last year. This includes a new platform at Limerick Junction, and a new passing loop east of Clonmel, which will support journeys between Waterford and Limerick.
The Rail Strategy also identifies Major Projects, including capacity/frequency enhancements and electrification of the Dublin to Waterford rail line, to be progressed.
As you know, Waterford will benefit from a new train station, which is currently under construction in the city, for opening in 2027, as part of the ambitious North Quays development.
In view of Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
