BAM, on behalf of Waterford City and County Council (WCCC), has commenced major flood prevention works on the rail line approaching Waterford.

The project is part of the Waterford North Quays Development and is designed to address recurring flooding issues which have affected this section of track for many years.

The works will deliver long-term protection for the railway, ensuring resilience against flooding and supporting the future operation of both the existing station and the new Plunkett Station, due to open in 2027. The project also enables the installation of a modern electrical signalling system to replace the existing mechanical system and will reinstate track capacity and routing to and from Waterford.

The flood defence system will run for 1.1km from Sally Park to east of the new Plunkett Station and Transport Hub. It will consist of sheet piled walls, impermeable trenches, an extensive drainage network and two pumping stations. The western section, which affects rail services, covers 800 metres from the western end of the Plunkett Station platform to east of the Waterford West signal cabin.

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Due to ground conditions, sheet piles up to 25 metres deep and 0.6 metres wide will be installed, positioned five to seven metres from the passenger track along the low watermark line. Installation will be carried out from the River Suir using two barges and a piling rig.

To complete the works safely, some rail service disruption is unavoidable. Iarnród Éireann, WCCC and BAM have agreed a programme to minimise impact on services. Line closures will take place during pile lifting and placement, when proximity to the track makes it necessary.

Works are scheduled to run until November 27, 2025 as well as from January 5 to March 26, 2026. Construction will take place Mondays to Thursdays from 8am to 2.30pm during these periods.

The public transport elements of the Waterford North Quays Development are funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority.