Kilkenny train users to experience disruptions as significant works announced

Major flood prevention works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford are to begin from late August, as part of the Waterford North Quays Development, Iarnród Éireann has advised customers.

As a result, Kilkenny and Thomastown train passengers may experience delays and alterations to their usual travel schedule as unavoidable works on the Waterford-Dublin line takes place.

Works will take place from 8am to 2.30pm on Mondays to Thursdays from Monday, August 25 to Thursday, November 27 this year and Monday, January 5 to Thursday, March 26 2026.

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The 7.20am and 10.15am services from Dublin Heuston to Waterford will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers from Kilkenny to Thomastown and Waterford.

Meanwhile, the 11am and 1.05pm Waterford to Dublin Heuston will have bus transfers from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny, and train from Kilkenny to Heuston.

The flood prevention works will be undertaken by contractors for Waterford City and County Council (WCCC) and will address the recurring flooding issue which has occurred over many years at this location and ensure the railway service is climate resilient into the future.

As well as ensuring rail services are no longer impacted by flooding, both to the existing station and the new Plunkett Station from 2027, the works will allow a new electrical signalling system to replace the mechanical system which has been in place, and reinstate track capacity and routes to / from Waterford.

The company is advising customers that the flood defence works will necessitate disruption to some off-peak rail services on Monday to Thursday mornings over a total of six months, from late August onwards (excluding the Christmas season).

Waterford North Quays Public Transport elements are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.

"Iarnród Éireann has worked with WCCC and BAM (main contractor) throughout the project to minimise disruption to rail services and to identify the optimum approach to these works," a spokesperson said.

"On detailed review of the works, due to the potential to foul the line, Iarnród Éireann has identified that line closure is required and unavoidable. This will be during the lifting and placing of piles due to their length, the working environment and the proximity to the railway.

"The agreed work programme seeks to balance the timescale for delivery of the flood defence system with avoiding disruption to the busiest rail services on the route," they added.

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