Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, yesterday (Wednesday ) welcomed Iarnród Éireann’s signing of a significant framework agreement with UK-based supplier W.H. Davis for the delivery of new freight wagons for the Irish rail network.
The agreement provides for an initial order of 150 state-of-the-art wagons, with the potential to scale up to 400 over the next decade, subject to funding and approvals. The initial order, valued at approximately €44 million, will replace Ireland’s ageing freight wagon fleet—most of which is approaching 50 years in service—and deliver a transformative boost to the capacity, speed, and efficiency of the rail freight network.
Minister Canney said this is a vital and welcome investment in the future of rail freight in Ireland.
“Modern, high-capacity wagons will play a key role in strengthening our national logistics network, supporting businesses, and advancing our climate goals.
“By providing a cleaner, faster and more efficient alternative to road transport, this initiative will help decarbonise freight movement across Ireland.
“It aligns fully with our ambition to shift freight from road to rail and build a more resilient, balanced and sustainable transport system,” he said.
The new wagons, to be manufactured at W.H. Davis’s facility in Nottinghamshire, will offer a payload capacity increase of 33%, significantly enhancing the ability to meet growing demand. Their maximum operational speed will rise to 110km/h, enabling more services on the network. With the full framework delivery, the network could eventually support over 100 new freight services each week.
The first of the new wagons is expected to arrive in Ireland by Summer 2026, with entry into service during 2027 following testing and commissioning.
Minister Canney said that Iarnród Éireann’s investment signals confidence in the future of Irish rail freight and demonstrates the tangible progress we are making to meet our transport and climate commitments.
