Campaigners say “overnight erasure” of reopening project betrays south-east region and ignores capacity crisis
Plans to reopen the Wexford-Waterford rail line have been scrapped after the project was omitted from the government’s new transport prioritisation strategy, sparking anger from campaigners who say years of advocacy may have been “erased overnight.”
Hopes were high after the line featured prominently in the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review published by the previous government in 2024. However, yesterday’s Department of Transport prioritisation strategy revealed the line no longer appears in immediate or medium-term plans.
The line—connecting Wexford town and Rosslare to Waterford—closed to passengers in 2010 but has been maintained by Irish Rail. The government will instead press ahead with projects including reinstating the Western Rail Corridor between Claremorris in Mayo and Athenry in Galway.
Rail campaign group South East on Track described the decision as “knee-jerk” and said it effectively erased previous efforts to secure the line’s inclusion. The group emphasized far-reaching implications, noting the line would improve Dublin connections while linking Wexford to the south-east, Munster, and the west.
Ciara Murphy of South East on Track, who commutes from Wexford to Dublin, told The Journal: “I can attest to how busy it is. It’s at capacity nearly every single weekday. People are driving from south Wexford to Rosslare or to Waterford to get a train to Dublin, adding to congestion.”
“At a time where commuters are struggling with an over-capacity rail network, the advancement of additional lines and services has to be a priority,” Murphy said, urging the government to reconsider.
The reduced plans have drawn fierce opposition criticism, particularly from the Green Party, whose Rail Review was a key achievement during their previous government tenure.
Green Party transport spokesperson and Dublin councillor Feljin Jose called the trimmed-down plan “criminal,” arguing it cut rail projects precisely when transport difficulties face many regions. He highlighted significant investment planned for Rosslare Europort—where the site will nearly double and host major offshore wind industry facilities—noting this “really should be coupled with investment in both passenger and freight rail in the area.”
Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane called the move a “real slap in the face” for the south-east, emphasizing that rising fuel prices demand better public transport alternatives. “Unless people have alternatives, then they have to use the car,” he said.
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne noted the M11 road linking Wexford to Dublin “has now become a car park during the morning” without “realistic rail alternative” for commuters, meaning Wicklow and Wexford rail users will continue facing “frequent overcrowding.”
“The fact that the Department of Transport and Irish Rail are abandoning the Rosslare rail line is really angering but not surprising given their lack of serious engagement,” Byrne told The Journal. “Dropping any commitment to reopening the Rosslare to Waterford line only adds insult to injury.”
Green Party Senator Malcolm Noonan called on all regional elected representatives to unite in demanding reinstatement. “At a time when demand for public transport has never been greater and when traffic congestion continues to impact on local economies, it really is unbelievable that a rail line that is ready to go, has been shelved.”
Noonan also criticized lack of commitment to restore and extend the old MacDonagh station, preventing Irish Rail from adding carriages to the Waterford-Dublin service. “The Waterford-Dublin line, like many services, is experiencing over capacity at peak times. Even this relatively straightforward project is not being prioritised.”
The controversy comes amid broader criticism that government transport spending focuses excessively on roads rather than public transport, contradicting climate commitments and exacerbating congestion.
The Department of Transport has been contacted for comment but had not responded at time of publication.
