Disruption to Waterford train services extended as flood defence works pushed into April

Rail passengers in Waterford are set to face continued disruption after flood defence works near the city were extended into April.

Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that the current midweek service changes will now remain in place until April 9, following agreement with Waterford City and County Council.

The works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford, an area which has been prone to flooding and disruption, began on August 25 last, with a pause over the Christmas and New Year period.

A short extension of two weeks will allow Waterford City and County Council and its contractors move to the non-disruptive phase of the works.

After April 9, full midweek services will resume to and from Plunkett Station, with remaining works to be completed without affecting rail operations.

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The flood defence programme includes a combination of sheet piled walls, impermeable trenches and an extensive drainage network with two pumping stations, with works taking place between 08:00 and 14:30 from Monday to Thursday.

As a result, a number of services will continue to be impacted during that period.

Morning Dublin Heuston to Waterford services at 07:20 and 10:15 will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers in place, while Waterford to Heuston services at 11:00 and 13:05 will run earlier and also involve bus connections.

The 09:45 service from Limerick Junction will terminate at Carrick-on-Suir, with onward bus transfers to Waterford.

Iarnród Éireann said that only two of eight services each way daily between Waterford and Dublin are affected from Monday to Thursday, with weekend services operating as normal.

"We thank customers for their cooperation and understanding during these crucial works," Iarnród Éireann said.