Independent TD for Waterford, Matt Shanahan, has requested Iarnród Éireann to prioritise the restoration of a platform at Kilkenny Railway Station, which was shortened 20 years ago, significantly reducing the size of train it can service. According to Deputy Shanahan, part of the platform was to be sold to a developer to make way for a new cinema complex; however, planning was refused by An Bord Pleanála and the sale never went ahead.
“As everyone in Waterford will know, the train from Waterford to Dublin is always extremely busy, and it’s not good enough that there’s been such a reduction in capacity for the last 20 years due to a sale that never actually took place,” Deputy Shanahan said. “I’ve been in contact with Iarnród Éireann about this, and they have confirmed that the ex-station structures and land remain within their ownership.”
Responding to a parliamentary question from Deputy Shanahan, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said that they “did not have funding at this time for restoration of the structure” but it was be their intention to “restore the protected structure of the original Train Shed once funding can be obtained”.
According to Mr Meade, “a review of Iarnród Éireann’s Infrastructure funding levels (MAC) Multi Annual Contract 5-year plan 2025-2029 is currently being progressed with the Department of Transport.”
“I’ve asked Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to prioritise the restoration of the platform, which really shouldn’t be an undertaking too large or expensive for them at this time,” Deputy Shanahan said. “For the many people who travel to Kilkenny, Carlow, Dublin, etc., from Waterford, a platform extension and enhanced fleet carriages would greatly enhance capacity and, with it, comfort, efficiency and convenience.”
