Rail passengers between Waterford and Dublin made a record 1.92 million journeys in 2025, according to new figures from Iarnród Éireann. The total marks a 10.5% increase on 2024, when 1.74 million passengers used the route. It represents the highest annual figure ever recorded on the Waterford/Dublin Intercity service.

Record Year for Rail Nationwide

Across the entire Iarnród Éireann network — including Intercity, Commuter and DART services — passengers made 55.04 million journeys in 2025. That figure surpasses the previous record of 50.7 million journeys set in 2024. The company says growing demand reflects strong public appetite for high-capacity public transport.

CEO Welcomes Surge in Demand

Chief Executive Mary Considine welcomed the record-breaking numbers. She said increasing passenger volumes show that commuters and communities want reliable and sustainable transport options. Considine said rail providers must continue expanding services in 2026 to meet rising demand and encourage more people to switch from private cars to public transport. She also pointed to ongoing investment in rail infrastructure, new trains and station upgrades nationwide.

Investment and Waterford’s New Station

In Waterford, work continues on the new Plunkett Station, which is due to open in 2027. The station redevelopment forms part of Waterford City and County Council’s North Quays project. Crews are also carrying out flood relief works alongside the broader development. Iarnród Éireann says continued investment will support housing growth along rail corridors and strengthen rail’s role as the backbone of Ireland’s sustainable transport network. The company also highlighted the importance of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in shaping future expansion. For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.