A member of the European Parliament has called for an earlier morning rail service into Waterford city, saying the current timetable does not meet the needs of commuters or students.

Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, a member of the EU Transport Committee, has written to both Iarnród Éireann and the National Transport Authority requesting changes to the Heuston to Waterford rail line timetable.

“Too Late” for Commuters

Ní Mhurchú said the current schedule sees the first train arriving into Plunkett Station at 9:45am.

She said this timing does not work for people travelling from Carlow and Kilkenny who need to start work at 9am.

Ní Mhurchú described the situation as “bizarre,” noting that Waterford is the largest city in the southeast and should have better early morning connectivity.

She has called for a revised service that would arrive shortly after 8am, giving commuters enough time to reach workplaces on time.

Impact

Ní Mhurchú also highlighted the impact on students attending South East Technological University campuses in Waterford.

She said students travelling from Carlow and Kilkenny cannot make early morning lectures due to the current timetable.

As a result, she argued that the lack of an earlier train limits access to education for those relying on public transport.

Demand for Earlier Service

Ní Mhurchú said constituents have repeatedly raised the issue with her.

She also pointed to an ongoing petition as evidence that demand for an earlier service is strong.

She said this level of public support should justify any additional investment needed to introduce a new service.

Rail Key to Climate Targets

Ní Mhurchú welcomed recent improvements by Iarnród Éireann, including additional late-night services on the Dublin to Waterford line.

However, she stressed that morning services remain a critical gap.

She said Ireland must encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport in order to meet climate targets.

Ní Mhurchú warned that the country could face significant EU fines if it fails to meet its 2030 emissions goals.

Call for Action

Ní Mhurchú has formally written to both the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann to push for change.

She said improving early morning rail services would make commuting more practical and support both economic activity and environmental goals in the southeast.

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