Limerick-Rosslare railway line

The Limerick–Waterford route is the only true non-radial (from Dublin) route still open in Ireland that is not a branch line. The route was commenced in 1848 by the Waterford & Limerick Railway and finished in 1854 – one of the oldest routes in Ireland, and the first approved by the British parliament. The company later merged with the GS&WR. The Waterford to Rosslare section remains technically in the ownership of the Fishguard & Rosslare Railways & Harbours Company, although services are run by Iarnród Éireann. It remains the only mainline track not wholly owned by the State. Iarnród Éireann has a 50% interest in the Company, the other 50% being owned by Stena Line. [http://www.iii.co.uk/investment/detail?code=cotn%3A72GU.L&display=news&it=le&period=2001]

From Limerick to Limerick Junction, the line is shared with Dublin-Limerick direct services.

Services have remained infrequent for over 100 years. In recent times, this has resulted in few passengers. The advent of more efficient railcar units has lent new hope to the line, which with four services daily, has a greater frequency of service than for much of its history. The most notable feature on the line is the Cahir Viaduct, which has twice partly collapsed. The first incident in 1955 involved an out-of-control train crashing through the buffers at Cahir station's loop, and passing through the bare deck of the viaduct. The driver and fireman were killed. The other incident occurred in 2003, with a cement train derailment. Rough or faulty jointed track is thought to have caused a two-axle cement hopper to "bounce" off the track, with the rear of the train pulling through the deck cross-sections. The locomotive and driver came across safely. Services resumed in 2005 with diesel railcars, although the service was dogged by engineering works necessitating frequent bus replacements of the train services.

Traction

Most services are worked by the IE 2700 Class railcars. Prior to these services were usually worked by 141/181 class locos and Cravens coaches.

ee also

*Dublin-Rosslare railway line