Train services on the Dublin-Waterford route will be significantly disrupted for the next three months as flood control works are carried out, Irish Rail has announced. The works form part of the multi-million euro North Quays development project in Waterford.
The primary objective of the works is to address the long-standing problem of intermittent flooding at Plunkett Train Station in Waterford, an issue that has persisted for decades and caused recurring service disruptions. The construction will take place during off-peak hours between 8am and 2:30pm and will continue until March 26.
Several train services will be affected by the works. The 7:20am and 10:15am services from Dublin Heuston to Waterford will operate only as far as Kilkenny. From Kilkenny, passengers will be transferred to buses that will take them to Thomastown and Waterford, adding time to their journeys.
For return journeys, passengers on the 11am and 1:05pm Waterford to Dublin Heuston services will be transported by bus from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny station, where they will board trains to complete their journey to Dublin Heuston.
The 9:45am service from Limerick Junction to Waterford will terminate at Carrick-on-Suir, with bus transfers provided from there to Waterford for passengers continuing to the final destination.
The bus substitution services will add significant time to journeys, particularly affecting daily commuters, business travelers, and others who rely on the direct rail connection between Dublin and Waterford. Irish Rail has advised passengers to allow extra travel time and check service updates before traveling.
While the disruption will cause inconvenience over the three-month period, the flood control works are essential infrastructure improvements. Once completed, the works should eliminate the flooding issues that have plagued Plunkett Station for decades, improving service reliability and preventing future weather-related disruptions.
The North Quays development project represents a major investment in Waterford’s infrastructure, with the flood control works forming a critical component of the broader regeneration initiative. Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative travel times if the affected services are essential to their regular commute.