There's no funding to reopen the Waterford-Wexford/Rosslare. The All-Island Rail Review recommended reopening this. It's only been closed since 2010 and is being maintained. Would have been huge for regional development.

We are calling on elected representatives across our region to prioritise the reactivation of the Wexford–Waterford rail line and to work together to ensure it is included in future National Development Plan funding.

This highlights a clear imbalance in rail development and future-proofing across the regions. It is disappointing that the infrastructure deficit facing the South East and Waterford City will persist for several more years.

Yet, despite this strong policy support, investment for the re-opening of this key rail link has not been secured for the South East, in contrast to the progress achieved in the West where elected representatives successfully championed the restoration of their rail corridor.

The line has continued to be maintained by Iarnród Éireann, while its reactivation is backed at European level by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and nationally by the Strategic Rail Review.

Since 2000, new rail has been constructed to support development around four of Ireland’s five cities. Only Waterford and the South East are left behind-having had a reduction in rail infrastructure due to the unnecessary closure of the Wexford-Waterford rail line during the Financial Crisis in 2010

The Government’s announcement today of the Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport includes many welcome developments, including the commitment to invest between €500m to €1bn in reactivating the Western Rail Corridor between Athenry and Claremorris.

Less than a decade ago, the talk was that the line would be closed south of Gorey. Now, we're seeing additional services instead - small progress, but progress none the less,& definitely the momentum is with us rather than against us? Visit the next town over and leave the car at home!

@padraigbyrne.bsky.social