The Bus Éireann Waterford route cuts have sparked widespread political criticism after the company confirmed it will withdraw key services linking the city to Dublin Airport and Rosslare.
Bus Éireann announced that several Expressway routes will cease operating from May 24, 2026, citing ongoing financial losses. The affected services include the Waterford to Dublin Airport route, the Rosslare to Waterford connection, and a route in the west of Ireland.
The company said Expressway services operate on a fully commercial basis and do not receive State funding. It said continued losses made the routes unsustainable and forced a consolidation of the network.
However, the decision has drawn immediate and strong reaction from political representatives across Waterford and the wider south-east.
Mayor says decision came “out of the blue”
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Seamus Ryan, said the announcement took local representatives by surprise and raised serious concerns about regional connectivity.
He said the decision came “completely out of the blue” and described the loss of both routes as a major blow to the region. He stressed that the Rosslare to Waterford service plays a vital role in connecting communities across the south-east.
Ryan said the route supports students and patients travelling into Waterford, particularly from Wexford. He also highlighted the importance of the direct link between Waterford and Dublin Airport.
He called on Bus Éireann to reverse the decision immediately, arguing that public transport must serve the needs of communities rather than withdraw essential services.
MEP warns of impact on regional growth
Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú also criticised the move, warning that cutting services undermines the region’s development.
She said Bus Éireann should expand services in the south-east rather than reduce them. She stressed that strong public transport links are essential for economic growth, investment and quality of life.
Ní Mhurchú said reliable transport allows people to access jobs, education and healthcare, while also reducing congestion and environmental impact. She confirmed she will raise the issue with both Bus Éireann and the Department of Transport.
TD says Government failed to intervene
Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness described the decision as deeply disappointing and warned it will significantly affect people who rely on the services.
He acknowledged that the routes were operating at a loss but said that does not justify their removal. He argued that the Government had been aware of the situation and failed to act.
McGuinness said Bus Éireann had previously signalled the need for State support to keep the routes running. He said the Government chose not to intervene, which led directly to the closures.
He highlighted the strategic importance of both routes, noting that one connects Waterford to the capital while the other links the city to Rosslare and its wider economic hinterland.
McGuinness said the loss of these services undermines efforts to position Waterford as a key economic driver in the south-east. He confirmed he has written to Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien urging intervention, even at this late stage.
Concerns over regional connectivity
The withdrawal of the routes means Waterford will lose two of three services being cut nationwide, a point that has not gone unnoticed by local representatives.
Politicians have warned that reduced connectivity will impact commuters, students and patients, while also limiting access to key transport hubs like Dublin Airport and Rosslare Europort.
Bus Éireann has said it will contact affected customers directly and issue full refunds for pre-booked tickets. The company also confirmed that no jobs will be lost as a result of the changes.
Despite that assurance, pressure is now mounting on the Government to step in and reconsider the decision, with growing calls for support to maintain what many describe as essential regional transport links.
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