I have been informed by Iarnród Éireann that it is planning to utilise the recently ordered 120 InterCity railcars to provide a much-improved service on all InterCity routes, including the Waterford line, when these trains are delivered in 2007. Its proposals include the provision of a two-hourly each-way service between Dublin and Waterford. The total number of daily services will increase from the current level of five to seven, with all services being operated by the new rolling stock.
Iarnród Éireann has statutory responsibility for the operation of rail services and it is a matter for the company to decide on the scheduling and timetabling of Waterford-Dublin services. However, I understand that Iarnród Éireann is looking at the possibility of introducing a direct Waterford-Dublin service following the introduction of the new rolling stock.