The former chairperson of the Suir Valley Railway says not extending the line into the city is a mistake for Waterford.
It's after Waterford Council CEO Michael Walsh said the line isn't viable due to difficult terrain and that there's no funding available for an extension.
The heritage line travels along 17 kilometres of the former Waterford to Dungarvan line from Kilmeaden towards Waterford City.
Speaking to Damien Tiernan on Deise Today, Padraig O'Griofa, former chairperson of the Suir Valley Railway, says it's more than just a steam train:
"Personally, I think it's very short-term thinking. This is not just a steam train; this is a rail-bus for the future to service Kilmeaden, service Carriganore, service Mount Congreve.
"I think the big picture is being missed here. We have a permanent way here already; plan for it is what we're saying, and don't exclude this happening now by a budgetary problem today. The cost of this today will be seen as very, very small in 20 years time."
