Waterford Suir Valley Railway (WSVR) has announced that its General Manager, Maria Kyte, will step down from her role after 25 years of dedicated service to the railway.
Maria has managed the development of this award-winning heritage railway since its inception through to operating a very successful social enterprise as it preserves and promotes Ireland’s rich railway heritage and has become an integral part of the tourism offering in Ireland’s Ancient East, contributing to the local economy.
In 2000, the project was established as a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.
Over the years the attraction grew as it included special events to extend the season.
The opening of Waterford Greenway in 2017 was a game changer for the railway. It brought greater visibility to the project as visitors flocked to experience the award-winning Greenway. As they stopped off at Kilmeaden Station for a welcome break, the company had a new source of revenue. This made the business more sustainable and justified WSVR employing more people on a full-time and seasonal basis. The Whistlestop Café was built to provide a service for railway and Waterford Greenway customers.
Maria pointed out, “None of this could have been achieved without the amazing people who have volunteered at the railway over the past 25 years. Volunteerism is at the heart of Waterford Suir Valley Railway. From the board of directors to the train drivers, it has been humbling to see people give their time and expertise so willingly in order to achieve the companies mission. This is also true of the staff, most of whom joined initially on FAS, TUS, CE or RSS schemes. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with them.”
The success is also due to the support and encouragement received from Waterford Leader Partnership, Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Clann Credo, Waterford Chamber, Dungarvan Chamber, Iarnród Eireann, The Heritage Council, Pobal, Waterford Local Enterprise Board, Bord na Mona, Visit Waterford, and from the people of Waterford.
Waterford Suir Valley Railway has plans to return Steam to Waterford. The restoration project is dependent on funds raised through donations. It is hoped to have work completed by 2027.
Other projects include the building of a Preservation Facilities Building which will eventually be home to a new tourist attraction celebrating railway heritage.
There is no doubt there are exciting times ahead for the new General Manager of Waterford Suir Valley Railway, as Maria assures them, “They will be assisted by a very supportive board of directors, committed staff, volunteer crew and the local community.”
She continued, “I look forward to reading all about their achievements and new developments long into the future.”
The WSVR Board of Directors has commenced the recruitment process for a General Manager. Interested applicants are invited to send their CV to info@wsvrailway.ie by 12 noon on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
Meanwhile, the railway is open for the February mid-term break from 19 to 22 February, and plans are already in place to open for the Easter holidays as it will be business as usual for Maria Kyte and the Waterford Suir Valley Railway crew.
You can discover more on their website www.wsvrailway.ie and donate to the fundraiser for the restoration of the steam locomotive Waterford & Suir Valley Railway Company CLG | Online Fundraising.
